Abstract: A mounting support for mounting at least one photovoltaic module having a glass pane on a top side of an, in particular, uneven roof panel includes an elongated strip which can be rolled up and/or unrolled in a roll-up/unroll direction. At least two attachment means for the photovoltaic module are disposed on the strip with a modular dimension. The bottom side of the support is provided in the region of the attachment means with a protruding padding to compensate for uneven roof areas. The top side of the attachment means is provided with a supporting location or surface for edges of the photovoltaic module. The mounting support can be packaged as a roll and attached in a simple and effective manner on uneven and rough roof shingles.

Abstract: An insulation roof or floor panel for construction of a composite insulated concrete roof or floor includes two elongated studs, each having a web section and upper and lower flanges, a plurality of deformation resistant elements protruding from the upper flange of the studs and spaced apart along the upper flange of each stud, and an insulation board secured between the two elongated studs. The insulation board has a thickness less than the width of the web section of the studs, with the lower surface of the insulation board against the upper flanges of the studs, thereby establishing a distance between the upper surface of the insulation board and the upper flanges of the studs. Further provided are a composite insulated concrete roof or floor system with enhanced resistance to deformation, constructed using the insulation roof or floor panel, and the method of construction.

Abstract: Provided is a panel support system for architectural displays. The panel support system includes an architectural panel defining a carved surface, an opposing architectural attachment surface and a sidewall extending between the carved surface and the architectural attachment surface. A planar support member is connected to the architectural attachment surface. The planar support member is sized and configured to mitigate deformation of the carved surface. A mounting system may also be included, having a panel mounting member coupled to the panel and a support surface mounting member connected to a wall. The panel mounting member includes a cup engageable with a bulbous tip formed on the support surface mounting member. An alignment system may further be provided and include alignment members which are attached to respective panels. The alignment members connected to adjacent panels are engageable with each other to align the adjacent panels.

Abstract: Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system including tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies supporting plural beams supporting floors of the building, with the union of the column assemblies and beams forming beam-to-column (or beam-to-column-to-beam) joint connection assemblies according to this invention. The joint connection assemblies inventively include novel features which remarkably and surprisingly improve the distribution of strain and plastic deformation in the joint connection structure when subjected to extreme load challenges to the building structure (as may occur during earthquake, explosion, progressive collapse load conditions, or massive impact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground fixation device for fixating posts such as lamps, flagpoles, signs and similar substantially vertical objects to a substantially flat ground surface. The ground fixation device comprises an elongated rail extending along the ground surface, at least one fastening device located at said rail and at least one anchoring mechanism located at said rail for entering the surface of the ground.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods configured for installing a decorative feature having a wave-like appearance. For example, a system for installing the decorative feature can include one or more mounts configured to attach to a support structure and support one or more decorative panels. The system can also include a plurality of decorative panels configured to be disposed within or supported by the mounts. Each decorative panel can have a concave or convex configuration to produce a wave-like appearance.

Abstract: A device (1) for providing a fixing point for an insulated glass unit (3), the device having clamping blocks (22) to mount the device (1) though opposed panes of glass (5, 6) of the unit (3) and a spacer (10) with opposed faces (13, 14). At least one of the opposed faces (13, 14) having an annular groove (17, 18) for carrying sealant to seal against an associated one of the glass panes (5, 6) when the glass panes (5, 6) are tensioned together by the clamping blocks (22).

Abstract: Grid members, namely a runner (10) and wall angle (400) for suspended ceiling grids, are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the runner and the wall angle have two web portions (28, 30) and at least one distinct indent portion (62) to define a space between the web portions. An adhesive (56) may be disposed within one or more of the indent portions (62) to adhere the two web portions (28, 30) to each other. Certain embodiments of the runner or wall angle have flange portions (32, 34) that may have indent portions as well. One or more of these indent portions may contain adhesive. Some embodiments of the runner or wall angle have overturned cap portions on the flange portions, and an adhesive may be placed between the overturned cap portions and upwardly facing surfaces of the flange portions.

Abstract: The SafeDEK product and composite assembly is used within the building industry and the materials, methods of product assembly, process and procedures are disclosed. The Safedek product combines rigid materials, supporting members and anchors that attach to concrete, other building materials or building systems. The SafeDEK product and assembly process not only replaces removable concrete forming materials and other building materials but, remains in place to form a storm resistant, and energy efficient structural building system.

Abstract: A device for providing structural support comprising a longitudinal slot formed with inwardly projecting longitudinal flanges, and a support member extending outwardly opposite the longitudinal slot. Some embodiments may include a support member having a stop formed longitudinally along the edge of the support member. Other embodiments may include a plurality of longitudinal protuberances and/or detents. In addition, holes may be disposed in the support member and the support member may be formed with decorative elements to effectuate a particular design.

Abstract: An anchoring adhesive combination includes a slug or package of chemical anchoring adhesive having a proximal end and a distal end and a rod which can be a penetrator having a pointed proximal end, and open distal end, and a threaded or corrugated outer surface. The pointed proximal end of the penetrator is connected to the distal end of the slug or package of chemical anchoring adhesive so that the pointed proximal end is at least partially surrounded by chemical anchoring adhesive. The open distal end of the penetrator receives a proximal end of an anchor pin to form a combination of anchor pin, penetrator and slug or package of anchoring adhesive in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying floor panels (1.n, 2.n, . . . ) in a room to form a closed floor area on a laying plane (Ev) without using an adhesive, said floor panels especially consisting of a wood material, such as MDF or HDF, and having matching corresponding profiles on opposite longitudinal edges (I, I?) and transverse edges (II, II?). The closed floor area is obtained by interconnecting a plurality of panels (1.1, 1.2 . . . 2.1, 2.2, . . . ) on their transverse edges (II, II?) to give a row (R3) and on their longitudinal edges (I, I?) to give a plurality of rows (Ro) and then locking them in relation to each other.

Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the frame having at least one attachment point separate from the nodes for selective attachment to the frame of at least one adjacent unit, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: Safety structure for a roof and more particularly a flat roof. The former includes an engagement structure. The engagement structure provides an attachment element to which a part to be safely attached to the roof, such as the belt of individuals present on the roof, a railing or the like has to be attached. According to the present invention, this attachment element is attached to a thickening and more particularly to a profiled section. This thickening is accommodated in a folded-over part of roof covering material and is situated in the folded-over part thereof. This roof covering material is attached to the existing roof covering by torching or gluing.

Abstract: A construction connector incorporating one or more fasteners can be formed by a plate including a plurality of openings, at least one fastener aligned with a corresponding opening in the plate and oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate, and a breakable connection coupling the fastener to the plate. The breakable connection further can comprise a weld. A second fastener also can be aligned with a second corresponding opening in the plate such that it is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plate, and a breakable connection can be used to couple the second fastener to the plate. Additionally, a second plate can be coupled to the plate, wherein the second plate includes at least one opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for installing a wind turbine. A method may comprise the steps of establishing a substructure, said substructure comprising at least one pipe (1) extending upwards and said at least one pipe (1) being part of a primary structure of the substructure, establishing a support of a secondary structure (5) on the at least one pile (1), mounting of fittings to the secondary structure (5), said mounting of the fittings to the secondary structure (5) preferably being established by welding or bolting, and not mounting fittings to at least one of the at least one pile (1) being part of the primary structure. A method may alternatively comprise the steps of mounting a wind turbine tower to the at least one pile (1) being part of the primary structure, and the secondary structure (5) constituting an intermediate structure (5, 11) between the at least one pile (1) and the wind turbine tower (7).

Abstract: A connecting device includes an axial core and a plurality of helical projections that extend radially from the core. The core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the device and the accuracy of the pitch of the helical projections varies by no more than 0.5% from any given probate pitch along the axis of the device. Another connecting device includes an axial core and two or three helical fins projecting radially from the core, wherein the core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the device, the accuracy of the pitch of the helical fins varies by no more than 0.5% from any given probate pitch along the axis of the device and wherein the root of the fin material includes a radiused surface.

Abstract: A cover for encasing threaded rod extending from structural concrete. The cover is in the shape of a cylindrical body having a length at least as long as that portion of the receiving bar extending from the structural concrete and having a diameter larger than that of the threaded rod.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a previously existing structure comprising the steps of constructing a ring foundation surrounding and reinforcing a previously existing foundation. Thereafter, securing reinforcing wall panel assemblies to previously existing wall structures with the wall panel assemblies being external to and secured to upright members of the previously existing wall structures and supported by the ring foundation. Securing platform segments forming reinforcing floor assemblies to upright structural elements of the reinforcing wall panel assemblies, the platform segments being supported by previously existing floor structures during assembly of the platform segments and attachment of the platform segments to the reinforcing wall panel assemblies. Then removing the previously existing floor structures.

Abstract: A construction insert configured for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The construction insert includes a channel having a front face and a back face opposing the front face. The channel is configured to define an internal passage within the channel. A plurality of brackets is attached to the back face of the channel, each of the brackets configured for attachment to a structure within the elevator hoistway. Each of the brackets is planar in shape.

Abstract: An expansion joint and seal is provided that is adapted for adherence to a wall and floor interface. The joint is operative to seal the interface such that self-leveling materials cannot flow between the wall and the floor. When adhered to the interface, a compressive member may be disposed coincidental to the wall. This compressive member allows for expansion of solidified self-leveling materials relative to the wall. In one arrangement, the joint and seal utilizes a flexible sheet member having a bottom surface that is adapted for adherence to the interface of a wall and floor. A compressible member is attached to the top surface of the flexible sheet member. The bottom surface of the flexible sheet member may also include a peel-away release member that covers an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface.

Abstract: A device for securing cable to a structural support, such as a rafter or joist. The device is characterized as having two U-shaped members, each U-shaped member having a base portion and two arm portions. Each arm portion has a proximal end and a distal end, each proximal end extending from said base portion. The distal ends are spaced from one another a distance to capture the structural support and to frictionally secure the device thereto.

Abstract: An insulating block for lining an interior surface of a furnace wall. The block is comprised of at least two insulating module sections. Each module section is formed from two or more layers of a ceramic (material) blanket. The layers of the ceramic blanket are held together by one or more plastic fasteners, each plastic fastener comprised of an elongated fiber portion that is dimensioned to extend at least partially through at least two of the layers and enlarged end sections dimensioned to engage the layers. The layers of the blanket are held together side-by-side by the plastic fasteners. A support member has at least one anchor rod (tube) affixed thereto. The insulating module sections are mounted on the anchor rod.

Abstract: Disclosed are elongate roof clips for fixedly attaching standing seam roof panels to a roof. The elongate roof clips provide improved resistance to uplift. Also provided are methods for securing roof panels in a standing seam roof, kits comprising the elongate roof clips, and an improved roof system.

Abstract: A joint fitting 1 between members comprising a single bolt 4 having a length enabling it to be arranged vertically oriented bridging an upper floor vertical frame member and a lower floor vertical frame member at intervals along the axial direction. Joint hardware 7 is fastened to vertical frame members of the floors arranged at the upper floor side and lower floor side. Side opening grooves in the joint hardware 7 detachable receive the bolt. The attached joint hardware 7 is able to be fastened positioned along the longitudinal direction of the bolt 4. The joint hardware 7 is arranged at the upper and lower floors with the joint hardware being butted against vertical side surfaces of the vertical frame members 11 of the floors and fastened by drill screws 24 or other fasteners.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping apparatus (20) comprising: a first clamp provided with: a first clamp surface (21), a second clamp surface (22), and a substantially straight shaft (23), the first clamp surface and second clamp surface being arranged to be moveable relative to each other along the shaft to clamp an object between the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface, at least one of the clamp surfaces being releasably fixable, and a second clamp provided on an arm (26) which extends from the second clamp surface, the arm extending in a direction subatantially parallel to the shaft. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the clamp.

Abstract: A method comprises: providing a fiber cement substrate, and joining a porous, closed cell foam to a substantial portion of a major surface of the fiber cement substrate.

Abstract: A ductile seismic shear key construction including a concrete support, a concrete shear key supported on the concrete support, a generally vertical reinforcement bar in and extending between the concrete support and the concrete shear key and anchored in the concrete support, and an isolation key. The isolation key is in and at the base of the concrete support and adjacent the reinforcement bar. The bar can be one of the two legs of a downwardly-disposed U-shaped bar. The other leg, if present, is also in and extends between the concrete support and the shear key and is anchored in the concrete support; and a second isolation key is in the concrete support at the base thereof and adjacent the second leg. The bars can pass through through-holes in the isolation keys, particularly for an interior shear key construction. For an exterior shear key construction the bars can be disposed in notches of the isolation key.

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having a tongue (30) of magnetic material that could be locked vertically by a magnetic field.

Abstract: A supporting structure for an open-space photovoltaic system with several ground supports arranged in at least two mutually parallel rows oriented in essentially North-South direction and installed vertically in the ground, with beams supported on free ends of the ground supports located at the same location along a row, and with module rails attached to the beams for attachment of fastening means for photovoltaic modules. The module rails are secured on or between two corresponding adjacent beams in essentially North-South direction. The free ends of the ground supports are positioned at the same height above terrain ground, so that the beams and the module rails extend essentially plane-parallel to the terrain ground. This arrangement reduces material consumption, and only a small surface area of the supporting structure is effectively exposed to wind gusts. Each row of ground supports includes ground supports with both rigid and flexible flexural characteristics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and straightening a framed wall includes a plurality of beams, a mounting plate, a bolt, and a pusher. The mounting plate is secured to the beam and the bolt is threadably secured to the mounting plate. The bolt is received by the pusher. When tightened, the bolt applies pressure to the pusher which in turn applies pressure to the framed wall. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting plates and pushers may be used to apply pressure to a cross beam and thereby efficiently apply pressure to a plurality of framed wall beams. By tightening the bolt, the user can apply pressure to the beam and straighten or retain the wall. As the wall shifts during periods of correction, the bolt may be re-tightened to apply additional pressure to the wall.

Abstract: An underdrain apparatus includes one or more underdrain blocks and an anchor assembly that includes one or more support members. Each of the underdrain blocks includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a pair of opposing end walls, and a center separation wall that extends between the pair of opposing end walls. The center separation wall of at least one of the underdrain blocks may have one or more apertures formed therein, the apertures configured to receive at least one of the support members. One or more of the side walls of the pair of opposing side walls of the underdrain blocks may have one or more side clips. At least one of the side clips defines an aperture for receiving a support member.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and system for installing decorative moldings including a mounting block made of a soft and light material adapted to be secured to a wall and extended about a border thereof, said mounting block having a first contacting surface parallel to the wall and a second contacting surface oriented at an angle to a mounting surface of a crown molding, said first contacting surface having a parallel rigid member thereon for securing the mounting block to the wall and the second contacting surface having an angular oriented rigid member thereon for securing the decorative molding to the mounting block.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a photovoltaic (PV) apparatus. The PV apparatus includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules arranged in an array and attached to a support structure which is attached to a roof. Each of the photovoltaic modules comprises a plurality of photovoltaic cells. A first array-roof integration member is attached to a first side of the array. The array-roof integration member covers a gap between the first side of the array and the roof. Another embodiment relates to a method of installing a photovoltaic apparatus upon a sloped roof. Another embodiment relates to a kit for mounting a photovoltaic apparatus on a roof. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An anchoring clip system that includes an anchoring clip that has a top flange portion and a base flange that can be connect to a substructure, and a cap member designed to be inserted over a portion of the roof panels so as to secure the roof panels to the anchoring clip. The anchoring clip system can optionally be designed to allow for fluid flow through or on one or more components of the anchoring clip system. The anchoring clip system can optionally include a locking crown that improves the wind uplift resistance of the panels.

Abstract: An anchoring clip system that includes an anchoring clip that has a top flange portion and a base flange that can be connect to a substructure, and a cap member designed to be inserted over a portion of the roof panels so as to secure the roof panels to the anchoring clip. The anchoring clip system can optionally be designed to allow for fluid flow through or on one or more components of the anchoring clip system. The anchoring clip system can optionally include a locking crown that improves the wind uplift resistance of the panels.

Abstract: A brick bracket which is installed in a recess provided by removal of brick of a brick veneer in order to be attached to studs of a framework of the building without contacting the bricks. The brick bracket has a front wall which extends outwardly and covers the brick facing and carries carriage bolts to which a ledger can be affixed such that the ledger is able to support an attached structure so that the brick bracket will not apply any force to the bricks of the brick facing.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A profile system for fastening of facade elements on a building frame, a building frame including the a profile system and a multi-storey building. The profile system includes a profile of a first kind and a profile of a second kind. The facade elements are arranged in the profile of the first kind and are squeezed in place with the profile of the second kind. The profile of the second kind has a groove that is wider than the thickness of the facade element, so that the facade element can be moved in the groove in the profile of the second kind.

Abstract: Floor panels which are provided with a mechanical locking system including a displaceable tongue in a displacement groove. The tongue is molded and provided with bendable protrusions.

Abstract: A mounting device (20) for frameworks is disclosed having a washer (2) having a sleeve (1) extending downward, which fits over the body (12) of a screw (5), and a cap (3) that is secured to the washer to conceal the screw head (8) of the screw from harmful elements. The length of the sleeve is equal to or slightly greater than the height of a hollow frame (6) being secured to a structure (7) so that the body of the screw is protected from coming into contact with any water or air. The sleeve also acts as a spacer in between the top of the aluminum frame and the structure to prevent over-tightening of the screw, thereby preventing dimpling a top surface of the frame.

Abstract: A spacer for positioning and locking spaced reinforcing cages into a combined integral unit for reinforcing large concrete structures is disclosed that is readily snapped into place even with narrow lattice cages.

Abstract: Top and bottom packing brackets for supporting respective smaller top and larger bottom ends of a tapered architectural column during shipment and storage. Each of the packing brackets includes a ring portion and a surrounding frame portion joined together by webbing extending therebetween. The ring portion of the respective top and bottom packing brackets are sized to closely receive the smaller top and larger bottom ends of the columns.

Abstract: The pressure plate assembly is used for securing curtain wall panels. The pressure plate assembly includes an elongated base member and an elongated stiffening member. At least a portion of the interior main face of the stiffening member is removably engagable against a corresponding mating surface on the exterior main face of the base member. The stiffening member is made of a material having a mechanical stress resistance higher than that of the material of the base member. At least one longitudinally-extending thermal insulation chamber is provided within a space located between the interior main face of the base member and the interior main face of the stiffening member.

Abstract: A method for constructing a building comprises the steps of: preparing a base (1); connecting a plurality of panels (2) to the base (1) to form a plurality of walls of the building, each panel (2) at least partly forming a wall of the building; the step of connecting the plurality of panels (2) to the base (1) comprising the preliminary step of connecting a plurality of corner panels (5) at the corners of the base (1).

Abstract: In a cement anchor for use in connection with light-weight construction panels, wherein the anchor comprises a cylindrical body with at least one piston forming with the cylindrical body a displacement area in which a meltable cement is disposed together with a heatable melt body, the melt body is heated just before the anchor is inserted into a bore in the panel so that the cement is liquefied and, upon compression of the anchor, is displaced from the displacement area into the space around the anchor, so that, upon solidification of the cement, the anchor is firmly connected to the lightweight construction panel.

Abstract: A threaded anchor for concrete metal deck floors includes a hollow plastic sleeve having an internally threaded top portion, a flared top end forming several outwardly-extending fingers, and a bottom end. A threaded bolt has a head end and a shaft with external threads mating with the threads of the hollow plastic sleeve. The shaft of the bolt includes internal threads having at least two different diameters. A nut is threaded to mate with the external threads on the bolt. In use, the assembled insert is punched in place through a hole formed in a metal deck layer. The fingers of the plastic sleeve collapse as the assembly is passed through the hole and expand below the deck. The nut is then tightened against the top of the deck to hold the insert in place.

Abstract: Disclosed is a roof spoiler that effectively disrupts the attached flow of wind upon a roof surface. This spoiler has a stowed position, whereby it is almost completely out of the view of passersby. It also has a deployed position, wherein a barrier is projected vertically, or substantially vertically, so as to disrupt the flow of air over the roof surface. This spoiler utilizes a hinged design to move between these two positions. The spoiler is specially designed to operate in conjunction with a gutter mounted along the leading edge of the roof. In the stowed position, a portion of the spoiler covers the open gutter. In one embodiment, the spoiler is L-shaped to facilitate its stability in the deployed position.