Abstract: A set of mutually lockable panels comprises a first panel having an edge including a male part and a second panel having an edge including a female part for receiving the male part of the first panel in unlocked condition of the panels. The male part has an outer side which, in locked condition of the panels, is directed to the second panel in a direction substantially parallel to the front face of the first panel, and an opposite inner side which is provided with a locking surface. The female part comprises a locking member, which is pivotable about a pivot axis that extends substantially parallel to the edge of the second panel and an actuator for rotating the locking member from its unlocked condition to a locked condition of the panels.

Abstract: Heating systems including heating elements and fastener materials covered and protected from the environment by a heating cap structure. The heating cap structure can interlock mating ribs or other structure in adjacent heating panels. Additional heating cap, transition, or flashing sections may further cover and protect heating system components. One or more heating elements may include heating cable or heating fluids or materials penetrating heating element bodies. The heating element bodies and heating cap panels and covers can include extruded or otherwise formed sections having a wide variety of shapes that can be varied to provide desired objectives, such as for example supporting strength, increased heat transfer, component cost minimization, component life, heating system weight, and ease of assembly, use, maintenance, expansion, contraction, and adaptability. The outer and other surfaces of the heating system may be painted, including to improve aesthetics.

Abstract: The present invention describes a floor decoration kit comprising two elements, on the one hand a removable surface covering (2) and on the other an anchoring sublayer (3) while the composition of said anchoring sublayer (3) is PVC-based and comprises at least 60% by weight of a plasticizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an implant, such as a dental implant, having a base member and a thread arranged at an outer end of the base member. The dental implant can be easily inserted and good footing of the implant in the bone can be achieved. Annular ridges and/or recesses can be formed in a section of the base member having no thread.

Abstract: A system of solar PV strip modules and method of use designed to integrate with vertical structures such as poles. The system and method use articulated semi-rigid solar PV strip modules and components with elastic characteristics to enable a high static-friction attachment to the structure. The static friction exceeds the force of gravity, enabling the solar PV strip modules to remain in place upon the vertical structure. The PV strip modules can have a rectangular shape or any other shape that enables customized or variable modular assembly and attachment to the structure.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching a deck to a structure. The system includes at least one attachment plate provided with at least one fastening component. The fastening component extends into the at least one I-joist attachment piece attached to an I-shaped structure floor joist. A connecting component extends from the at least one attachment plate to the deck ledger.

Abstract: A connection between standard metal studs with a separate backing connector is provided. The backing connector has a planar backing web with lateral longitudinal flanges that receives the lip flange of a first wall stud and a projecting tab that interfaces with the side member of the first wall stud. The backing connector also has members that interface with and attach to selected portions of the surfaces of the second wall stud without engaging the lip flange of the second wall stud. The backing connector is adjustable in length.

Abstract: An improved trim molding system for use in construction comprises a molding base and a complementary pre-fabricated molding face. The base is easily installed on the surface of a location where a molding is desired. The molding face fits onto the base and is secured to the base by an adhesive material. The two-component system provides for secure fit and an aesthetically pleasing finished product.

Abstract: It's now accepted that hurricane tie-down straps should be wrapped over the top of rafters/trusses, avoiding the crucial weakening effect of wood splitting around the nails of common side-nailed straps. That “wrap-over” is easy to do during construction but has been difficult and costly to do for existing houses, where the sheathing and roofing is in the way. But now such wrap-over can be an easy retrofit, according to this invention: Without damaging sheathing or roofing, force the sheathing off the rafter/truss just enough to allow a special strap to be pushed through the gap, then proceed much as in new construction. Unique wedge-blade and lever types of devices quickly create just the right gaps.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling joints in precast concrete structures includes a core that has exceptionally low creep and conforms to ASTM D 1752 made of controlled particle size composites of recycled cellular rubber and plastic materials in the form of a rectangular slab. Holes are drilled through a central area and countersink recesses are formed around the holes. An outer coating of a thermoplastic polyurethane/polyurea elastomer system of a thickness of 0.075 inch covers the slab and countersink recesses. The coated core is abrasion and UV resistant while having the creep characteristics needed to make a dam expansion joint filler.

Abstract: A fuse and a method of using the fuse to removably couple a structure to an anchor preferably partially embedded in concrete. The fuse is configured to be removably coupled to the anchor so that the fuse is positioned in a load path between the anchor and the structure. The fuse is configured to deform in a ductile manner when the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes a stress in the fuse which exceeds an elastic limit of the fuse. The fuse may be decoupled from the anchor without altering the concrete, the anchor, and the structure. If the structure exerts a force on the fuse that causes the fuse to deform in a ductile manner, the fuse may be decoupled from the anchor and replaced with another fuse.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PVD”) and method of use, more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with an integral locator and electrical terminal mechanism for transferring current to or from the improved photovoltaic device and the use as a system.

Abstract: Substrates such as sheet metal components may be kept spaced apart from each other using a molded polymeric spacing device. The spacing device has a main body with a thickness corresponding to the desired minimum spacing between the substrates and, extending from the main body or a base connected to said main body, an attachment member capable of being inserted into an opening in one of the substrates, but resistant to being easily withdrawn from such opening. Noise and vibration that might otherwise be generated or propagated by closely proximate substrates are reduced through the use of such molded polymeric spacing devices, which may be integrally fashioned from a rubber.

Abstract: A system for mounting a solar panel(s) on a building, where the solar panel has an outer frame defining a lip. The system may include a plurality of panel mounting brackets each including a base to be positioned on the building, and a vertical extension having a proximal end coupled to the base and a distal end vertically spaced apart from the base, with the distal end defining a fastener channel therein. The system may also include a plurality of mounting clamps each including a bottom flange, and a top flange spaced apart from the bottom flange and partially overhanging the bottom flange and defining a slot therebetween to receive the lip. An end extension may couple respective ends of the bottom flange and top flange together, and a fastener channel connector may be coupled to the bottom flange and configured to be slidably received within the fastener channel.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods (e.g., “utilities”) for use in mounting molding members (e.g., trim, baseboards, etc.) onto and over interfaces between building components (e.g., drywall, studs, framing members, etc.) in a manner that eliminates or at least reduces the need for driving fasteners through the outside surface of the molding members and thus eliminates many of the problems and inefficiencies associated with existing manners of mounting molding members onto building components. At least some of the disclosed utilities include use of a connection member that is configured (e.g., sized) to be disposed or received in a groove of a framing member (e.g., door or window jamb, interconnect member, etc.) or a molding member. The other of the framing member and molding member may include a projecting member that is configured to be received in the groove and engage with a fastening apparatus of the connection member.

Abstract: A thermal clip attachment apparatus and methods for using the thermal clip attachment with a masonry veneer anchor system are disclosed. The thermal clip attachment may be a composite piece that attaches to the part of a stud that protrudes from an inner structural supportive wall after the stud is advanced into the wall. The thermal clip attachment serves as a thermal break between the stud and an outer masonry veneer wall. Further, the thermal clip attachment also serves as an attachment point for a wire tie, which allows a positive lateral load connection to be established between the outer masonry veneer wall and the inner structural supportive wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the amelioration of a recess (8), e.g. a recess in a (human) bone (7). The device comprises an element (2) for producing or coupling mechanical energy, and a cylindrical collar (4) comprising a cylindrical lateral surface having an outside diameter and having a central recess (26) for accommodating a guide pin (3). The guide pin (3) is provided to be inserted substantially down to the base of the recess (8) before applying oscillations, and in the region of the end thereat facing the base of the recess it is surrounded by an amelioration sleeve (6) made from a material that can be liquefied by way of ultrasonic oscillations.

Abstract: An anchor particularly adapted to be embedded into a concrete construction for suspension of a ceiling panel, duct or the like, includes a base which receives inserts that have an axial threaded bore. The base is open at its lower end and can receive a threaded rod by virtue of ratcheting inserts received within the base. The inserts and base are particularly shaped to prevent jam and ease of insertion of the rod in the anchor. The anchor also has a head flange that sits above a plurality of fasteners secured to the anchor which is used to simultaneously drive the fasteners into a form for the concrete member. The fasteners are connected to the anchor extending in generally parallel and spaced relation to the anchor. The fasteners can be held by a support or sleeve-like holder which surrounds at least a portion of the base of the anchor or they can be attached to the base of the anchor. The fasteners project downwardly through the bottom of the anchor for driving into the form board.

Abstract: A method of erecting a pylon, in particular a pylon of a wind power installation, which has a foundation with segment anchors, wherein connecting elements project beyond the top side of the foundation by a predetermined amount. A ring is leveled, aligned and fixed at the top side of the foundation. A gap produced by leveling, aligning and fixing of the ring is underlaid with a grouting material. The grouting material is set and a lower pylon segment is placed on the leveled, aligned and fixed ring and connected thereto.

Abstract: There is provided an improved roof solar panel, embodying an array of photovoltaic cells mounted on conventional modular roof sheathing, that can be readily and easily installed onto a conventional sloped roof and integrated into conventional roof shingles. Such panel includes a shingle mounting surface on a perimeter area of the sheathing, a flash strip mounted inside such shingle mounting surface and, when installed on the roof, a retainer trim for securing shingles mounted on said shingle mounting surface, while mounting to the flash strip and sealing to a perimeter of a rigid transparent protective sheet over the array. The retainer trim also serves to provide means for securing the panel onto roof trusses. Integration with the conventional roof shingling provides, inter alia, an attractive low profile with improved water shedding and wind resistance properties. There is also an intermediate roof solar panel, for installation on a roof so as to provide the aforementioned improved roof solar panel.

Abstract: A method for fastening cementitious components together or for fastening a cementitious component to a non-cementitious component to form a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a screw having a hollow shaft from which threads protrude and a tip comprising a plurality of drilling teeth or a plurality of thread members that surround said central space, each of said thread members forming a two-dimensional spiral. In use, the invention is operated by screwing it into the cementitious components and then injecting an adhesive into the void created by the screwing step.

Abstract: A wall fastening is disclosed for a hollow wall, which includes a first section forming a hook configured to remain in front of the hollow wall and a second section which extends through a bore in the hollow wall and configured to fasten behind the hollow wall. The second section is bent, after insertion, in a final installation position, such that a tip at an end of a final section of the second section presses against a rear side of the hollow wall at a lateral distance, with a definable radius, from the bore in the hollow wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are an H-beam and a method for constructing a concrete form using the H-beam and non-metallic sheathing board. An H-beam includes a middle support part interposed between two adjacent sheathing boards so that lateral surfaces of edge portions of the two adjacent sheathing boards respectively contact both lateral surfaces of the middle support part and are supported by the middle support part, and edge connection parts bent perpendicular from both side end portions of the middle support part and extending forward and backward in a longitudinal direction in order to cover front and rear surfaces of the edge portions of the sheathing boards and support the same. Accordingly, connection of the sheathing boards can be achieved rapidly and easily, construction processes are simplified, and work time is remarkably reduced. As a result, work efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A bracketing system is provided having two brackets joined by an adhesive material that allows a bridge backing member to be mounted between vertical studs to enhance stability of the wall construction. A wall construction assembly according to an embodiment of the invention comprises two vertical studs and a bridge backing member mounted there between by a bracketing system, which includes a left bracket and a right bracket connected by a flexible adhesive material. The bridge backing member has curved flanges that are shorter in length than the web of the bridge backing member. This bridge backing member can then hook securely over the brackets, and abut the vertical studs. The hooking of the bridge backing member of the brackets and shorter flanges allows the bridge backing member to rest on the brackets without the installer having to manually hold the bridge backing member between the studs prior to attachment.

Abstract: A flange assembly for a tower segment is provided. The flange assembly includes a number of flange portions each with a first interface to the tower segment and a second interface to connect to another flange portion. A production method for a flange is further provided.

Abstract: A ceiling system in one embodiment includes a longitudinally-extending support member mountable from a ceiling and a clamping bracket attachable to the support member for supporting a ceiling element. The clamping bracket includes a cavity that receives the support member at least partially therein. A resiliently deformable elastic member has a movable bearing surface positioned in the cavity of the clamping bracket. The elastic member is movable from an undeflected inactive position to a deflected active position in response to inserting the support member into the cavity of the clamping bracket. The elastic member applies a force on the support member to help retain the clamping bracket on the support member.

Abstract: An improved joint member, e.g., a gusset, is provided and is formed from a fiber-reinforced pultruded material. The improved gusset is more lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture than conventional gussets. Furthermore, the fiber-reinforced material is strong enough to provide the structural support needed in most platform-type systems.

Abstract: A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.

Abstract: A fastening system for attaching cladding panels to a carrier panel and allowing for differential thermal expansion. The system fastens the two panels together at points in the direction perpendicular to the panel planes. A combination of different carrier panel hole sizes and slots fix the panels together at one point and allow the panels to expand and contract relative to each other while maintaining rectangular alignment. Wall panels and buildings constructed using the fastener are disclosed.

Abstract: A post to foundation connection made with a connector that can be installed as a retrofit after the post is already in place, with fastener attachments that are made to either side of the post rather than under it. The connector can be slid into place below the post, between it and the foundation, after which it can be attached to the foundation and the post.

Abstract: This is a Panel Connection System for structured panel buildings consisting of a strong dog panel connection system that connects structural insulated composite roof, wall and floor panels to each other and to other surfaces such as floors and walls. It uses dog panel as connectors between the panels. The system consists of two parts: A) the field installed Strong Dog type one strip for wall to wall and certain roof to wall connections, and the field installed Strong Dog 2 strip type 2 for wall and to floor and certain wall to roof.

Abstract: The invention is an Offset Adjustable Foundation Leg that provides support and tie down for structural insulated composite panel buildings. It is a telescoping leg made up of outside steel or aluminum round or rectangular tube and an inside steel or aluminum round or rectangular tube with the tubes provided with a series of holes for through bolting together which is placed on a bearing plate. Further adjustment and hold down means is provided by an adjustment means and nuts.

Abstract: A concealable cantilever support has a first leg extending from an outward end to an inward end, and near its inward end at least one adjusting hole; and a second leg orthogonal to the first leg, and integrally joined at an inward end thereof to the inward end of the first leg, inward faces of the first and second legs facing each other without intervening material. A portion of the first leg distal from the adjusting hole is restrained flat to the hidden face of the wall, the second leg protrudes from a roomward face of the wall with its outward face upward and orthogonal to the wall, a portion of the first leg adjacent the adjusting hole is free to flex away from the hidden face of the wall by actuation of an adjusting screw inserted through the adjusting hole.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a joining element to a hollow core board with the aid of mechanical vibration. The hollow core board has a first and second outer layers and a middle layer disposed between the outer layers. An opening, including a mouth, is provided in the hollow core board, the opening penetrating the first outer layer and the middle layer. The joining element includes a wall anchoring portion situated between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. A distal end of the wall anchoring portion is positioned into or onto the mouth with a sealing portion on a proximal end of the wall anchoring portion. The wall anchoring portion is forced through the mouth by applying mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the joining element axis, whereby thermoplastic material of the wall anchoring portion is liquefied and pressed into the first outer layer.

Abstract: A connector and a method of anchoring the connector to a first object that includes providing the connector having a sleeve element and a piston element with a shaft portion, providing a through hole in the first object, and inserting the connector through the through hole and until a distal portion of one of the sleeve and/or the piston element rests against the second object. Mechanical oscillations are coupled into the piston element while the piston element is pressed towards the distal side, and thereby liquefying portions a thermoplastic material at an interface portion between the sleeve element and the piston element while a periphery of the interface portion is adjacent the circumferential wall, and causing the liquefied thermoplastic material to flow radially outward from the periphery and into structures of the first object and/or along an inner surface.

Abstract: A compound anchor and method for joining concrete parts is disclosed. The compound anchor has a rod-shaped anchor body and a compensator component, which has at least one deformable element and is situated to be movable at least axially in relation to the anchor body. A first section of the anchor body is accommodated in a first concrete part and a second section having the compensator component is accommodated in a second concrete part. Openings are formed in the concrete parts so that a blind hole is formed in the first concrete part and a through-opening is formed in the second concrete part. The first section of the anchor body is secured in the blind hole and the second section having the compensator part is in the through-opening. The through-opening is then filled with a cement so that the second section is secured in the second concrete part.

Abstract: A system comprising a first beam, a second beam, at least two attachment nodes, at least four support assemblies, and a platform is provided. The beams each have a top surface and a bottom surface with at least one top channel and bottom channel respectively along the length of the beams' surfaces. The channels each have a first width at the outer surface of the beam that is smaller than a second width of the channels located within the beam. The attachment nodes are secured in the at least one top channel of each of the beams. At least two support assemblies are secured to the at least one bottom channel of the first beam, and at least two support assemblies are secured to the at least one bottom channel of the second beam. The platform is positioned on the at least two attachment nodes.

Abstract: A marine grade, exterior composite finish flooring comprised of a plurality of synthetic wood strips, evenly spaced and joined with a silicone adhesive. The fabrication process involves coating a board with a masking agent and then sawing the board into strips so that the masking agent is only on the tops of the strips and not on the edges. Then adhering the strips to a substrate to achieve proper spacing and orientation. A silicone adhesive caulk is then pressed into the joints and allowed to partially cure. The caulk stuck on the surface of the boards is easily removed as a result of the masking agent. Completed panels are then adhered to a subfloor, for example on the deck of a boat for a durable and aesthetically pleasing deck surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are integrated on a roof deck with conventional roofing materials. In one aspect, a photovoltaic roofing system includes a two-part tee element disposed on a roof deck, the two-part tee element comprising a base piece including a central portion; two opposed horizontally-extending first and second flanges extending from the central portion, and a top piece attachment feature formed in the central portion, and a top piece including a base piece attachment feature mated with the top piece attachment feature of the base piece; and a vertically extending portion extending from the base piece attachment feature. A first photovoltaic element can be disposed on the roof adjacent the base piece with its edge disposed on the horizontally-extending first flange of the base piece of the two-part tee element.

Abstract: An extrudable keder rail and a clamping anchor for the keder rail are cooperative to secure keder fabric to a building support beam. The clamping anchor allows the keder rail to be securely attached to a standard beam without drilling holes or strapping about the beam. A temporary clamp and movable tensioning device allow the keder rails and keder fabric to be applied to the building support beams after the support beams have been assembled and installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for anchoring a load (26) to an anchorage (30) utilizing at least one unitary anchoring tendon (10) including a plurality of tensile elements (12) each having a free length (14) and a bond length (18). The tendon is located lengthwise in a bore (34) formed through the load into the anchorage, and different groups (G1, G2, G3) of the strands of the tendon are tensioned in a predetermined sequence to a respective initial displacement length prior to the different groups being collectively tensioned to a respective final displacement length to anchor the load.

Abstract: A port anchor system and method for anchoring and cementing adjacent and often separated leaves (layered structures) of masonry. The method and various embodiments have the capability of being used for anchoring, cleaning and flushing of old mortar, and injecting grout into internal masonry voids, thereby tying and re-cementing or cementing the masonry mass back together. Various embodiments of anchor systems are provided for performing the various methods, more particularly, some of the embodiments describe port anchors which are used to clean and flush the old mortar and then grout fill the void between adjacent masonry leaves while other embodiments are used to grout fill the void.

Abstract: A bridge system is provided that utilizes foundation structures that are formed of the combination of precast and cast-in-place concrete. A method of constructing the combination precast and cast-in-place concrete foundation structures involves receiving at a construction site a precast concrete foundation unit having elongated upright wall members that define a channel therebetween, and multiple upright supports located within the channel; placing the precast concrete foundation unit at a desired use location; delivering concrete into the channel while the precast concrete foundation unit remains at the desired use location; and allowing the concrete to cure-in-place such that the elongated upright wall members are connected to the cured-in-place concrete by reinforcement embedded within both the cured-in-place concrete and the upright wall members. The bridge units may be placed before the pouring step to embed the bottoms of the bridge units in the cast-in-place concrete.

Abstract: A splice sleeve having an elliptical or compound curve cross section for connecting overlapping end portions of reinforcing bars utilized in various types of structures in which steel reinforcing bars are utilized and it is desired to connect the overlapping end portions of the reinforcing bars. The splice sleeve is configured to receive the overlapped end portions of the reinforcing bars and then be filled with hardenable material to resist axial tension and compression exerted on the reinforcing bars. In one embodiment, both ends of the sleeve are provided with an inwardly directed lip to increase the splicing capacity of the sleeve and also to serve as a guide to position the rebars to a minimum of about 3 mm from the inside wall surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A spacer for retaining a cladding element on a building element in a spaced apart relationship has a constant cross-section in its longitudinal direction. The spacer is an at least substantially hollow structure having at least one external wall enclosing an interior space. At least one fastener insertion path extends through the interior space. The fastener insertion path is capable of holding a fastener disposed therein prior to mounting the spacer and cladding element on the building element. The spacer preferably comprises planar surfaces on opposite sides thereof that are configured to abut the cladding element and the building element, respectively.

Abstract: An expansion bracket absorbs movement of a wall stud to prevent damage to a wall covering attached to the wall stud. The expansion bracket can include a main body having a main body flange, formed of a deformable material, and having a wall stud attachment end configured to attach to the wall stud via a wall stud attachment element. The main body can also have a furring attachment element configured to attach a furring to the main body. When the main body is attached to the wall stud and the furring, and the wall covering is attached to the furring via a wall covering attachment element, the main body flange is configured to absorb, via deformation, at least a portion of the movement of the wall stud due to heat-based expansion of the wall stud.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for installing a roof penetrating structure to a metal roof, the system comprising: a) a rail and closure structure adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations of said roof; b) a skylight adapted to be supported on the rail and closure structure; and c) a support member for sealing a cut away portion of the rib structure to divert water away from the rail and closure structure.

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 reinforcement bar fastener and a tool for securing reinforcement bar members to together to form a metal mesh and a reinforcement bar tool for deforming the reinforcement bar fastener around the reinforcement bar members.

Abstract: Wall mounting assemblies and methods are disclosed. The assembly includes a bracket that has two frame members coupled at a hinge. Each frame member has a hook for engaging a recess or slot on a panel. The assembly further includes a panel that has edges that are configured to engage the edges of adjacent panels, without the need for tilting the panel to engage. Each panel has two slots for receiving the bracket. Bending the two frame members on the bracket causes the bracket's hooks to lock into the slots on the panel.