Abstract: The present invention relates to bulkheads and brackets for use a part of a bulkhead. The bulkhead includes an upstanding portion including a bracket-mounting end, a mitering portion including a bracket-engaging end, and a bracket including a seat cavity adapted to receive the bracket-engaging end of the mitering portion. The bracket is configured to orient the mitering portion at an acute angle with respect to the upstanding portion with the bracket-engaging end of the mitering portion adjacent the bracket-mounting end of the upstanding portion. Methods are also provided that comprise the steps of arranging a plurality of upstanding portions to define a casting area, pouring uncured precast material into the casting area, and curing the precast material to provide a panel with a mitered corner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and modular assembly for producing a staircase. The modular staircase allows one with little to no skill to quickly and easily order and install a modular staircase at reasonable cost with no specialized technical skill necessary.

Abstract: A foam suitable for use in roofing systems is provided. Roofing membranes comprising the foam have superior flowing properties at high temperatures without sacrificing low temperature performance. A particular useful roofing membrane comprises an upper surface layer, a reinforcement layer, and optionally a lower self-adhesive layer, wherein expanded microspheres are provided in one or more of said layers in an amount of between 0.01 and 10% based on the total weight of the roofing membrane. Moreover a method of making roofing membranes is provided.

Abstract: A method for obtaining glass panels for curtain walls, which comprises the following steps: positioning a first pane on spacers associated with a table which can move longitudinally and is provided with a vertical support; resting the lower perimetric edge of the first pane on the vertical support; temporarily locking the first pane fixing a spacer profile at a chosen distance from the perimetric edge of the first pane; moving the support away from the lower perimetric edge of the first pane; treating the surfaces of the mutually contiguous regions of the first pane, of the spacer profile and of the frame by means of a plasma torch; positioning said second pane so that it rests against the spacer profile, so as to be arranged approximately parallel to the first pane, and applying a chosen pressure to the second pane toward the first pane; applying a structural sealant in a cavity formed between the spacer profile, the first pane, the second pane and the frame.

Abstract: A custom patio fabricated by constructing, at a first location, a patio customized for a second location, and cutting the patio into sections. The patio preferably is customized for the second location in one or more of size, shape, color, and surface pattern. Preferably, the patio is constructed at the first location under controlled conditions. The conditions can be controlled by constructing the patio indoors, for example for temperature, humidity, or temperature and humidity, or can be controlled by constructing the patio outdoors but only under certain weather conditions. The conditions also can include controlling a grade of a base on which the patio is constructed to be level, as well as other conditions.

Abstract: A construction module having a multi-layered top panel, a multi-layered intermediate panel and a multi-layered bottom panel which are bonded together and desired cavities are provided through one or more of the top panel, intermediate panel and bottom panel.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing floor panels, wherein is started from panels (1), these panels (1), at their lower side (9), are provided with at least one guiding groove (22) and these panels (1), at least at two opposite sides (3A-3B/4A-4B), are provided with profiled edge regions (5A-5B) that comprise coupling parts (17A-17B), characterized in that at least one of the aforementioned two profiled edge regions (5A-5B) is formed such that this region, seen in a cross-section of the panel (1), transverse to the guiding groove (22), extends at the lower side (9) of the panel (1) at least up to the guiding groove (22). Further, the invention also relates to still other methods, for manufacturing as well as packaging of floor panels, and also relates to devices used therewith, as well as to floor panels.

Abstract: A method and equipment for forming a laminated tile includes a multi-stage process line adapted to combine a tile base and a tile surface. The tile forming equipment includes a production line with a number of operation stations where the tile base is formed in a mould (4) and compacted. Adhesive or mortar is applied to a mating surface of the tile base. A tile cap has its mating face wetted and/or supplied with a second adhesive and is then applied to the mating surface of the base and pressed to form a sound contact with the adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a panel for use in construction of buildings, barriers and other structures, the panel comprising an internal framing structure encased in a solidified aerated medium, the aerated medium having an impermeable external layer. The panel has insulative properties along with inherent strength, impact resistance, and load bearing capacity.

Abstract: Pre-fabricated kits are provided for window/door trimming/casing that are designed and tailored for various window/door openings, architectural styles and/or manufacturers. According to one aspect, the kit is easy to assemble with everything in the box including prefabricated mutually engaging fasteners to allow all the pieces to be fastened together quickly and by hand. According to another aspect, the kit is prefabricated in a prepared and finished condition with all the pieces already painted, stained and finished, so no finishing such as painting required during or after installation. The kit can be manufactured to fit for any type of window/door and opening as long as the dimensions of openings are substantially known. Optional add-ons such as curtain rods, valances, closet shelves, poles, cabinets, shutters and cornices can also be included in the kit in pre-fabricated condition. The principles of the invention can also be extended to other types of molding such as crown molding and baseboards.

Abstract: A kit for a modular dwelling structure is provided, including a plurality of panels having predetermined dimensions. Each panel is made of a recycled tire material. A plurality of engagement members are also provided for maintaining the panels in a predetermined configuration to form the shape of the dwelling structure. A kit for providing the modular dwelling structure is also provided, as well as a method for assembling the modular dwelling structure.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a wall panel having a support element and an insulation element.

Abstract: A structure comprising a softwood-ceiling/hardwood-floor formed of a single set of adjacent boards. Each of the boards including a hardwood layer bonded to a softwood layer, the board having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge having a tongue, the second edge having a groove, the first edge having a first chamfer on the softwood layer, the second edge having a second chamfer on the softwood layer. All boards securely attached to carrying beams that span the walls between two levels within a building.

Abstract: Building wall panels having lightweight hollow core interiors include embodiments suitable for interior and exterior walls, for industrial, commercial or residential buildings, and for multi-story structures. Various methods for making these wall panels are disclosed, including the formation of cast gypsum firewall layers.

Abstract: A method for marketing reclaimed wood as flooring includes providing a plurality of flooring planks comprising wood reclaimed from a structure and marking at least one of the planks to indicate the information about the source of the reclaimed wood. The information includes the geographic location of the structure from which the reclaimed wood was reclaimed, information about the construction date of the structure from which the wood was reclaimed and information about the type of the reclaimed wood. The marking is achieved by engraving the plank, stamping the plank, mounting a plaque to the plank or any other means for visibly marking the information on the plank. The marking is used to display the information about the source structure when the wood planks are installed in the commercial or residential application.

Abstract: A stop bead for mounting along a frame or jamb of a window or door of a building to separate the frame or jamb from plaster or stucco material during application of the plaster or stucco material to the building comprises a first side end portion and a second side end portion, the first side portion having a leading edge for engaging the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, a base panel having a front face, a wall formed on the base panel and extending outwardly above the front face of the base panel, the wall having an engaging surface for engaging plaster or stucco and a frame/jamb facing surface that faces the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, and a spacing member formed on the stop bead and extending outwardly away from the frame/jamb facing surface of the wall for spacing the wall a predetermined distance from the frame or jamb when the stop bead is mounted adjacent to the frame or jamb, the spacing member forming the leading

Abstract: A system for forming at least one pre-selected protective structure includes a predetermined number of elongated generally U-shaped channel members having a first predetermined length and formed from a first pre-selected material. A predetermined number of corner members having a predetermined shape and formed from a second pre-selected material are provided for connecting adjacent ends of a pair of such predetermined number of elongated generally U-shaped channel members together thereby forming at least a portion of a framework for the pre-selected protective structure. There is a predetermined covering member provided having each of a second predetermined length and a predetermined width and formed from a third pre-selected material and a plurality of resilient members having a third predetermined length engageable within such predetermined number of elongated U-shaped channel members for securing the covering member thereto and thereby forming the at least one pre-selected protective structure.

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: An exhibit or display for tradeshows or the like having a plurality of support members and an axial connection assembly. The support members include opposing ends and a body portion, and further include an exterior channel and a central bore, the channel defining a flange portion and the bore being in communication with a retention feature. The axial connection assembly is configured to releasably couple an end of a first support member to an end of a second support member such that the two support members are axially aligned. The axial connection assembly includes a collar releasably coupled in the bore of each member, with each collar including at least one locator portion to interact with the retention feature, and a pin having a mid portion and two ends, the mid portion configured to be rotatably selectively restrained within the collar.

Abstract: A composite cladding panel has an internal skin or backing tray (2), and an external skin (3) with foam insulation (4) between the tray (2) and skin (3). A pre-formed gasket (20) is bonded to the external skin (3) and a coating (30) is applied to the external skin (3) of the panel and to an outer face (21) of the gasket (20) to provide a surface finish such as a textured finish. No joint is visible between the coated skins (3) of adjacent panels.

Abstract: An installation system for use with a window assembly with a nailing fin in a rough opening of a wall, the rough opening including a sill. The system includes a sill drain mat including a barrier wedge with a front edge, a rear edge, a bottom surface and a top surface. A fiber layer includes a top surface and a bottom surface and an adhesive layer disposed on the bottom surface of the fiber layer. A first portion of the fiber layer is adhered to the top surface of the barrier wedge and extends inwardly, the first portion of the fiber layer including a sealing strip. A second portion of the fiber layer extends outwardly from the front edge and the bottom surface of the barrier wedge forms a mating surface with a sill of the rough opening. A gasket includes a first surface attached to an inner surface of the nailing fin, a second surface received adjacent an outer surface of the wall, and an outer edge comprising a protruding end extending along a length of the gasket.

Abstract: Size tailorable tracks useful for connecting a first construction element (e.g., a transition molding) to a second construction element (e.g., a surface of a subfloor). In certain non-limiting embodiments, tracks which are scored during the manufacturing process to form weakened break junctions at which sections of the tracks may be separated by hand (e.g., typically “on site”) without the use of a cutting device. In certain additional, non-limiting embodiments, methods of using size tailorable tracks as well as track manufacturing systems, machines, and methods.

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: A method and apparatus for assembling a 2-piece skin door comprising a bottom skin (10) and a top skin (20) wherein each of the bottom and top skins' longitudinal edges have been bent and folded to complementarily hem each other in an interlocking manner to form a seam, the method including: holding the bottom skin in an upwardly open pan manner; holding the top skin in an inverted pan manner wherein its folded and hemmed edges are aligned with the corresponding edges of the bottom skin; and pushing the top skin to insert said top skin's folded edge into the bottom skin's corresponding folded edge to form said interlocking seam. The bottom skin may be held securely on a substantially planar surface with securing means. The top skin may be provided with means for pulling it in alignment towards the bottom skin by winch and cable with hook means.

Abstract: A cavity head flashing including a back section and an angled flat section, wherein: the angled flat section is set at an obtuse angle to the substantially vertical back section; and the flashing further includes a drain section and a bracket section, wherein: the bracket section is substantially parallel to the back section, with the drain section running between them so that the back section, the drain section and the bracket section form a substantially H-shape when viewed from the end of the flashing; and wherein: the flashing when installed is fitted with an end bung at either end.

Abstract: Concrete blocks having face surfaces embossed with non-geometric patterns. The blocks may be of various sizes with some having faces surfaces with lengths and heights that are multiples other blocks. The blocks may have multiple sizes, colors or combinations of colors, face surface patterns, and set back configurations. Also, walls formed from such blocks and mold boxes usable in the formation of the blocks are included.

Abstract: A composite for constructing concrete floors is completely factory assembled and comprises a body of expanded plastic having at least two parallel channels, open on the upper surface of the panel, extending the length of the article, adapted to be filled with concrete. A steel reinforcement bar fabric is installed into each channel, which may comprise at least two parallel steel bars connected by cross bars. At least some cross bars extend beyond a lowest reinforcement fabric bar to provide spikes long enough to pass through the plastic bottom and protrude therefrom.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the manufacture of a nail plate truss (2) without setting, said nail plate truss including first-side nail plates (3) of the truss, second-side nail plates (3) of the nail plate truss, and struts (4) joined together by nail plates. According to the inventive method, the structure of the truss is stored in an electric control system (20), and the nail plates (3) and struts (4) for a truss are brought into their positions required by the truss structure onto a horizontal assembly table (5), as controlled by an electric control system, using handling members (11) separate from the assembly table, the parts (3, 4) of the truss being positioned into their positions based directly on positioning of the handling member (11) transporting them.

Abstract: A panel is disclosed, which comprises a core and first and second plates disposed on opposing sides of the core. The core may comprise pluralities of first and second rib structures, a foamed polymer structure, or a honeycomb structure. The panel may be used as a building or construction structure or in a concrete pouring application.

Abstract: An information access kiosk includes a computer assembly, including a wireless internet connection and an energy storage assembly, capable of powering the computer. Also, a protective assembly is adapted to permit the kiosk to withstand the attack of earthly elements when placed outside and a computer program, resident on the computer, is adapted to facilitate use of the computer to permit at least one anticipated use by a user.

Abstract: A panelling system preferably for floors is defined by a series of panels each formed of a plurality of tongue and groove main floor plank strips arranged side edge to side edge and cut to a common length with a tongue along one cut edge and a groove along the other. At the edges are attached edge strips formed also from the flooring planks with tongue and groove and fastened together to form a common panel member for transportation and installation. The outwardly facing edge of each edge has a tongue or groove for mating with a groove or tongue of a next adjacent panel. The strips are fastened by pins from the rear or by a bonded sheet material on the rear.

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 multi-layer prefabricated wall panel for modular building and a method for manufacturing the same. The panel comprises a load-bearing and vapor barrier core layer; an interior insulating and utility installation layer bonded to the inner face of the core layer; an exterior sheet of a first rigid building material bonded to the interior insulating layer; and an interior sheet of a second building material bonded to the outer face of said core layer. The method for manufacturing the wall panel comprises the steps of forming a stack of the panel layers with adhesive coating between successive layers and bonding the layers to each other by uniform compressing forces.

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. A framing machine includes an upper panel bay and feeder, a joist array and feeder, and a lower panel bay and feeder. The machine installs a plurality of pegs into each joist and positions each joist into a forward installation position and a rear installation position. Panel press means press the upper and lower panels onto the pegs of each joist. Joist positioning means move successive joists into the installation positions, and push the structural member being formed outwards. Additional means for insulating the structural member, installing pipes and wires, and an exterior finish may also be provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a corrugated decking flooring system. The corrugated decking flooring system can include a corrugated deck having at least two flutes and a trough between the flutes. A sound insulation layer generally conformal with both the flutes and the troughs of the corrugated deck can be provided. An underlayment layer can be provided over the sound insulation layer.

Abstract: A sheathing product having a structural substrate with two or more edges. The sheathing product also having a weather resistive barrier attached to the structural substrate prior to securing the structural substrate to a frame of a building. A part of the weather resistive barrier extends beyond an edge of the structural substrate to create a flap that allows the weather resistive barrier to be attached to an abutting sheathing product.

Abstract: A building unit comprises a building element having a rib structure. The rib structure forms a frame for receiving at least one of a floor, wall, or a ceiling module. The rib structure comprises a corner fitting. The building unit may further comprise at least one additional building element placed offset and an intermediate module that interconnects at least two building elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction arts, in particular a new implementation for a structural support member or header for bearing the load of large spans of a floor, wall section above a window, door or garage door. The support member has an insulation which, when used with a steel beam, serves to increase the insulation value. Further the header is modular and can be easily implemented into a variety of architectural structures.

Abstract: A preform and method for forming a structural assembly are provided. The preform can be formed by friction welding structural members to a base member and subsequently providing a connection material to join the structural members. The resulting preform can be formed with dimensions and a configuration that approximate the dimensions and configuration of the structural assembly. Thus, the structural assembly can be formed by joining multiple members that are generally smaller than the finished assembly.

Abstract: Production of a reinforcement mesh comprising reinforcement bars (3), which are tied together by means of twisted wires (1, 2), may take place according to the invention by a method wherein two wires (1, 2) are rolled up on their respective wire coils (4, 5), which are mounted opposite each other on a rotatable shaft (12), and wherein each of the wires is guided by a wire guide element (6) downwards in a direction toward the common twisting point of the wires (1, 2). Meshes of surface-treated, coated, wires and bars may be made in this manner, there being no external impact that can damage the surface.

Abstract: An insulated wall panel is provided that employs a plurality of spaced insulated members that define cavities within the body of the wall panel. The insulation panels that form the cavities may be constructed of a reinforced insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene. The insulated wall panels may include a reinforcing mesh, preferably fiberglass coated with PVC embedded within the body of the EPS foam during fabrication. The strengthened EPS foam blocks have the advantage of being lightweight and very durable, thereby reducing handling damage, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane, in particular for use as an insulation layer for building walls and floors, a sandwich panel comprising a base body and a membrane which is disposed on the base body, to a method for the production of a membrane provided with a surface having a reflection degree more than 0.2 (20% reflection), in addition to a method for thermally insulating a building. In order to provide a membrane having a high resistance to thermal transmission and to improve the thermal insulation of a sandwich panel, the membrane has a surface which has a high degree of reflection and/or the sandwich plate is provided with a corresponding membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to connection elements comprising a tongue (3) and a groove (10), and an additional locking element (6) which is connected thereto in a non-positive manner, which consists of a plastic or adhesive material and is especially embodied as a bar.

Abstract: Reinforcing assemblies for use in structural concrete members, as well as reinforced concrete structures, are provided that are uniquely suited to deal with punching shear failure in structural concrete members such as slabs, beams footings and flat foundations. The reinforcing assemblies include a support base, comprising two elongate rebar members disposed substantially parallel to each other, and several shear-resisting rebar elements having two opposing ends and cast, or bent, in hairpin shape on a common plane in generally parallel orientation to each other and secured to the base. The reinforced concrete structures include a concrete member, having a first face and a generally opposed second face, and at least four reinforcing assemblies that are embedded and retained at prescribed locations within the concrete member by their base and by the opposed faces of the concrete member, and which comprise a support base and multiple hairpin-shaped rebar elements secured to the support base.

Abstract: A corner joint for constructing silkscreen frames, comprising a first insert member, a second insert member connected perpendicularly to the first insert member, and a means for achieving an air-tight fit between the insert members and frame side members. The free ends of the first and second insert members have at least one tapered surface. The insert members are adapted to be received inside an end of a frame side member and tightly engage the frame side member.

Abstract: A method utilizing elevated temperature and applied pressure to form a layered, composite-material structural panel including (a) establishing a layer-stack assembly in the form of a pre-consolidation expanse having everywhere an independent, location-specific, pre-consolidation local thickness T, and including at least a pair of confronting, thermoformable polypropylene-based layers, (b) heating the assembly to a thermoform temperature, (c) compressing the heated assembly to create a thermal bond between the two layers, and to consolidate the assembly into a post-consolidation expanse having everywhere an independent, location-specific, post-consolidation, local thickness t which is less than the respective, associated, pre-consolidation local thickness T, and (d) cooling the consolidated assembly to a sub-thermoform temperature to stabilize it in its consolidated condition.

Abstract: In a vacuum-insulated glass building component comprising first and second glass panes which are supported with respect to each other by spacers and are closed along their edges by a vacuum-tight edge connection so as to enclose between them a thin evacuated intermediate space, the edge connection is formed by first and second metal foil strips which are connected to the edge areas of the first and, respectively, second glass panes in a vacuum tight manner and the areas of the first and second metal foil strips projecting beyond the edges of the respective glass panes are welded together to join the glass panes.

Abstract: A synthetic composition panel having a surface which resembles a tree bark is provided. The synthetic composition panel defines a series of irregular grooves and indentations which extend varied distances into the thickness of the panel. The irregular pattern of the grooves, the angles of the grooves, and the depth of the grooves contribute to a panel having an appearance of a tree bark product. The panel has sufficient strength to be used as a roofing product, interior siding, exterior siding, and can be fashioned into decorative trim items such as door moldings, window moldings, and door frame moldings.

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: An architectural membrane structure preferably includes an aerogel material disposed, for example, between two outer layers. The aerogel can be in monolithic or granular form or can be present in an aerogel composite. A method for manufacturing an architectural membrane structure includes securing an insert, e.g., an aerogel blanket, composite or granular aerogel, between a first and second layer. The architectural membrane structure can be used as a tensioned panel in envelopes such as roofing, overhangs, canopies or in other architectural or structural fabric applications.