Abstract: An anchor for mounting one or more solar modules to a roof is disclosed. The anchor can comprise a clamp body comprising a central surface and a first arm extending from the central surface. The first arm can have a first clamping face. The clamp body can be sized and shaped to receive one or more webs extending from one or more solar modules. The anchor can include a rotatable clamp device coupled to the clamp body, the rotatable clamp device configured to press a first web of the one or more webs against the first clamping face. The anchor can also include a rotatable height adjustment member coupled to the rotatable clamp device, the rotatable height adjustment member configured to raise or lower at least the clamp body. The rotatable clamp device and the rotatable height adjustment member can be configured to rotate about the same axis.

Abstract: An exemplary elevator cab wall panel includes a plurality of panel members that are selectively moveable relative to each other to adjust the size of the panel. The panel is useful for selectively covering a space between a car operating panel and a nearby surface in an elevator cab. The wall panel provides a finished wall surface in the space.

Abstract: A mounting plate utilized to attach an object to a mounting system. The mounting plate includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base is bonded to a membrane of the mounting system. A housing is raised from the top surface of the base, the housing creates a contact surface area to support the object. A first member is raised from the top surface; the first member has a surface at a height flush with the contact surface area of the housing. A hole extends through the thickness of the housing.

Abstract: A wall panel system and method is disclosed. The wall panel system for covering an unfinished wall including one or more studs, includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a first stud cover. The first sheet has a length, a width, a first edge, and a second edge. The second sheet is attached perpendicular to the first sheet at the second edge. The first stud cover is attached perpendicular to the first sheet at the first edge and the first stud cover includes a base with a first side and a second side, a first leg attached perpendicular to the base at the first side, and a second leg attached perpendicular to the base at the second side and wherein the first leg and second leg are parallel. Additional wall panel systems are also disclosed. In addition, storage units may be secured to the stud covers and the underlying studs.

Abstract: A frameless mounting system for glass or the like includes one or more bracket assemblies that adjustably interconnect a sheet of material along an upper edge of an existing partition system. The bracket assemblies permit the sheet of material to be adjusted upwardly or sidewardly to align the sheets of material with adjacent sheets of material. Furthermore, the sheets of material can be tilted as required to align adjacent sheets. The sheet of material is preferably transparent glass, but may comprise various other materials such as polymers, translucent materials, frosted, or opaque materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodology for providing a base support, such as including concrete, and used such as for a wind-driven generator. Precast concrete cylinders are stacked in place upon a platform that may be partially precast and partially cast in place during assembly and supported, in certain embodiments, by plural concrete legs, the other ends of which are supported on a unitary or subdivided concrete foundation. In other embodiments, the platform may be supported by ribbed concrete panels. The concrete cylinders are glued together using an epoxy and then secured by an internal vertical post tension system extending from the platform to the upper most cylinder. Different types of concrete are used between upper and lower sections of the stacked cylinders. The lower section uses reinforced concrete while the upper section used ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete.

Abstract: An audio-video (AV) system in one embodiment includes a mounting apparatus for mounting the system to a wall support located behind a wall surface and within an in-wall space. The mounting apparatus includes a support member for supporting at least one component in a support space within the in-wall space, a display mounting member 30 for mounting a display device, and a removable wall opening cover for concealing at least a portion of the in-wall space that would otherwise be visible through a wall opening to a viewer. Various multimedia-supportive devices, including loudspeakers and a subwoofer, may be concealed behind the cover in the in-wall space.

Abstract: A method and system for ground installation is disclosed. In one aspect, a method to secure a fixture on a ground includes steps of securing one or more anchors on a base plate; placing the base plate on the ground; applying force to one or more ground stakes into the ground through the base plate to secure the base plate on the ground; disposing the fixture on the base plate; and securing the fixture on the base plate. The entire ground installation system merely includes a base plate and a few ground stakes, and it is fairly easy to assemble and disassemble the installation system without special training and skills. Also, the ground installation system provides a stable and secure base for the fixtures thereon.

Abstract: An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners that may be integral with the roof system components.

Abstract: A casing system for covering the edges of structural frameworks and the like. The system includes a first casing piece and a second casing piece shaped to fit together. The first casing piece has a decorative profile milled into at least one side or end edge. The second casing piece has a reverse image of the decorative profile milled into a side or end edge. The pieces fit together by abutting edges or sides having a decorative profile and the reverse image of the decorative profile.

Abstract: A modular methane digester facility includes prefabricated portable concrete panels and a flexible membrane roof sealing an interior space of the methane digester. A separator-conveyor dewatering device, integratable into the front end of the methane digester facility, separates a semi-solid liquid manure into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A method of dual-stage methane digestion includes stacking a solid stage in a methane digester and supplying a liquid stage to the top of the solid stage. The liquid stage percolates by gravity through the solid stage, the solid stage acts as a filter for the liquid stage, and the liquid stage acts as a methanogenic buffer for the solid stage. A method of pre-heating a mass of solids in a methane digester to a mesophilic temperature includes supplying oxygen to the mass of solids in the form of ambient air supplied to the methane digester by a reverse-air pump.

Abstract: A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.

Abstract: A plastic stay-in-place concrete forming system used for one or more sides of a multi-sided form and is based upon a form panel comprised of a thin plastic sheet reinforced on its interior side and capable of bonding to the concrete cast inside the form to create a solid composite structure. In one configuration the form panels are connected to internal bracing that connects to a second form side. The internal bracing is comprised of plastic connecting frames, lateral supports or individual connectors that may further reinforce the form panels or may be used solely for connecting purposes. The second side form may be any type of form including the form panel or a stud supporting foam board. The form panel may also be shaped to form two or more sides of an internally braced, multi-sided form. It may also be externally braced on one or more sides of a form.

Abstract: A support block for supporting objects on a roof is a moulded elastomeric block with a substantially hollow core. The support block can be used as is or in a system whereby a galvanized steel channel is secured to the top wall of the block accommodating the mating of a variety of clamps. In some embodiments, the block is elongate and generally flat and supports a roof mounted object thereon when two or more blocks are supported parallel and spaced apart from one another with the object spanning between the blocks.

Abstract: A riser assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first skin. A second skin is spaced from the first skin. A core is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A framework is disposed between the first skin and the second skin. A portion of the framework is positioned laterally outside the core.

Abstract: A ceiling-mounted supply unit (1) for fastening the medical device (8) on the ceiling-mounted supply unit (1), includes a vertical beam (2), an extension arm (3), to which the vertical beam (2) is fastened especially with a hinge (4), for moving, especially pivoting the vertical beam (2) and electrical and/or pneumatic supply lines with electrical and/or pneumatic connections (21). A medical device (8) is integrated in the vertical beam (2).

Abstract: A process for improving structural integrity of a structure is provided that includes retensioning a plurality of anchor bolts installed on the structure to a final load P, for each of a set of anchor bolts at a first time. A bolt stretch, B is measured for each of the set of anchor bolts. The structural integrity of the structure is found by solving an equation for each of the anchor bolts to determine a value of as found load on a bolt. Through monitoring the set of anchor bolts at a later time for changes in F for the anchor bolts, changes in the structure are detected and repaired before further damage occurs to the structure or the associated equipment. The structural failing are assessed in a number of ways including evaluating the values F as a function of the position of each of the tensioning anchor bolts.

Abstract: A concrete anchor point system provides for an anchor point, a receptacle for embedding into a concrete structure for removably receiving the anchor point, and a tool for remotely installing the anchor point in the structure, or removing the anchor point from the structure. The receptacle is preferably tapered, and an anchoring end of the anchor point is preferably tapered to match.

Abstract: Design and manufacture of tufted articles, carpet tile webs and carpet tiles, and installation of carpet tiles, having different color, pile height, pile texture or other characteristics that, together with similar other such tiles, may be installed to create borders, edges or other multiple-tile designs, usually without any of the tiles looking out of place or improperly oriented relative to nap or the direction the tile is “facing.

Abstract: A soffit enclosure for building roofs and the like of the type having at least one eave with a soffit thereunder. A first mounting member is attached to an adjacent exterior wall of the building and a second mounting member is disposed on a roof fascia of the building. The first and second mounting members support a plurality of soffit panels thereon. A decorative corbel member has a generally flat upper mounting portion with opposite end edges, a decorative lower portion shaped to enhance the appearance of the eave of the building, and first and second rigid hanger tabs disposed above and generally parallel with the mounting portion. The hanger tabs project longitudinally from the opposite end edges of the upper mounting portion and are configured for sequentially inserting into the first and second mounting members. The corbel member overlies adjacent soffit panel to conceal a joint disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A mounting adapter for attaching an object to a flat surface includes an anchor plate having a plurality of first apertures extending therethrough. Each first aperture is configured to receive a first elongated fastener having a length sufficient to fasten to a support structure located beneath the surface for attaching the anchor plate thereto. A plurality of threaded apertures is formed in the anchor plate. A cover plate is positioned over the anchor plate and has a plurality of third apertures that align with the plurality of threaded apertures in the anchor plate. A threaded fastener extends through each third aperture and is threadedly engaged with the second threaded apertures of the anchor plate for securely attaching the cover plate to the anchor plate. One or more fourth apertures are formed in the cover plate and configured to receive a third fastener for attaching the object to the mounting adapter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new tension link drill floor level connection system for use on a drilling rig, as may be used in subterranean exploration. The present invention provides a tension link assembly for resisting separating forces incurred between sections of the substructure. In particular, the tension link assembly may be located at the drill floor level for resisting the separating forces imparted by “splayed” or wide leg mast structures that tend to separate substructure side boxes from the substructure center section. The present invention may be comprised of a first link element and a second link element with a tension link being connectable over the first and second link elements to resist separation between sections of the substructure. A latch mechanism may be utilized to prevent upward movement of the tension side boxes or center section relative to the drill floor or to one another.

Abstract: 1) Moisture-crosslinkable adhesive composition comprising: from 25% to 50% of a composition (a) formed of a crosslinkable epoxy resin and of a polymer having a polyoxyalkylene or polyurethane main chain connected to a hydrolyzable terminal alkoxysilyl group; from 0.5% to 6% of a ketimine (b); and from 40% to 65% of an inert inorganic or organic filler (c). 2) Method for laying a wood-based covering, in particular a wide-block parquet flooring, on a flat rigid support comprising the distribution of an effective amount of said adhesive composition in the form of a substantially homogeneous layer.

Abstract: A adjustable mounting system for mounting solar panels on roofs is disclosed. The system allows a user to mount the solar panels either with or without rails. The mounting assemblies are adjustable to allow the user to mount a base plate in a chosen location (either on a roof joist or other structural member or not) and to adjust the mounting location for the panel in as many as three axis of adjustment from the location of the base plate. A system for mounting and grounding the panels at the same time is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and structure are provided to suspend a support frame from a structural element such as an I-beam with an intermediate framework. An anchor is fastened to the structural element. An upper linkage is fastened to the anchor means and hangs therebelow. Legs are fastened to the upper linkage and hangs therebelow. The support frame is fastened to the legs and hangs therebelow. The upper linkage is selected from the group consisting of a scissors link and a mounting plate. The anchor can be a bifurcated C-Clamp.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV devices and/or locate these devices upon a building or structure in two rows/columns with opposing current flows. It also can optionally provide some additional components (e.g. a bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and can enhance the service-ability of the device.

Abstract: An aisle containment system is provided. The aisle containment system includes a pair of wall beams suspended from a ceiling, a pair of floor tracks positioned beneath the wall beams and secured to a floor, and at least one blanking panel secured to one of the wall beams and one of the floor tracks.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to devices and methods for the manufacture and installation of precast architectural products derived from recycled materials. Preferably, the precast products are comprised of recycled foam material that may be derived from scrap material or used mold components. The recycled devices and methods utilize a two-step ledger system to help install architectural products that would otherwise require mechanical fasteners because of the weight of the precast piece. To be used with a ledger, the architectural products disclosed herein comprise a channel or indentation configured to receive and rest on the ledger. Also disclosed is a mold for precast architectural products that can itself form a part of the recycled foam material used in the mixture that forms precast architectural products.

Abstract: A building sheet includes a substantially flat board having a front surface, a back surface and a thickness defined therebetween. At least one of the front and back surfaces defines a surface direction. The thickness defines a thickness direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface direction. Recesses are formed in at least one of the front and back surfaces. The recesses have a maximum dimension in the surface direction of less than 3/8 inch, such that each recess is too small to receive a head of the fastener.

Abstract: A mounting base has upturned edges that can be used in tile applications to hold a magnetized decorator tile. The mounting base may be a powder coated galvanized metal box, for example, that may retain a decorator tile having a magnet attached to a backside thereof. The mounting base may be installed in a tile installation at a location where a consumer may desire a decorator tile. The consumer may be able to place, remove and exchange various decorator tiles in the mounting base affordably and with ease, without compromising the integrity of the rest of the tile. The mounting base may be sized and shaped to accept various standard tile sizes, as well as custom sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A prefabricated array of photovoltaic modules mechanically assembled to a frame and pre-wired at an assembly location such as a factory and is transported to an installation location. The prefabricated array is wired so that a connection to a load, such as a home or an AC power delivery system can be accomplished by connecting a single connector to the load. The prefabricated array can be conveniently set up at the installation site using a lifting point attached to the array, for example at the frame. The time required to perform the installation and make the necessary electrical connections to make the array operable when illuminated can be as short as one hour.

Abstract: An anchor spike and a method of using it with landscape edging are provided. The anchor spike has a novel feature that causes the anchor spike to have a changing angle of entry as it is being driven into the ground or other landscape material. The anchor spike is comprised of an elongate shaft, a head located at a first end of the elongate shaft and a tip section located at a second end of the elongate shaft and arranged at an angle to the elongate shaft. The method of using the anchor spike to secure landscape edging to the ground includes arranging a landscape edging strip having a plurality of apertures in a desire location on the ground, providing the anchor spike, aligning the tip section of the anchor spike with an aperture on the landscape edging strip and driving the anchor spike into the ground.

Abstract: A mast is erected to support a load. At least one stay cable supports the mast. The stay cable is oriented to the mast within a radial distance of the blade from the mast. The stay cable is stressed to support the mast while the wind drives the blade without collision of the stay cable.

Abstract: A solar insert for shingled roofs includes an insert with a generally wedge-shaped body designed to be installed beneath a shingle and a face that is exposed and extends along a lower edge of the shingle. The face preferably is angled with respect to the shingle and a solar collector in the form of a thin-film solar strip is mounted to and extends along the face. The inserts of multiple shingles are electrically coupled together to form an electrical grid for aggregating the electrical energy of the individual solar collectors and delivering it to a remote location for storage or use. In a second embodiment, a shingle has a solar collector strip mounted to its surface extending along a forward edge of the shingle, and in another, the solar collector surrounds the tabs of their shingles. The solar collectors not only generate electrical energy from the sun; they also enhance the appearance of a shingled roof by providing a look of increased thickness and texture.

Abstract: A method of securing an elongate member in the ground which includes the steps of embedding the member within a matching size and shaped hole in the ground then ensnaring the member with a ground anchor that passes substantially through the member intersecting the member. The invention also applies to a member with a ground anchor positioned therein and also having a lightening nut.

Abstract: A post-tensioned concrete cap foundation has helical anchors with pipes having several helical discs welded around the pipe perimeter to spin drill deep into subsurface soils or other soft materials with holes in the pipe for high pressure-grouting in place. The helical anchor pipes are coupled to a tensioning element for pulling and post-tensioning the helical anchor. The helical anchors are tension anchors which can be converted to compression anchors. The helical anchors in tension serve to pull the foundation cap down to compress the underlying soil while the compression anchors limit the maximum settlement of the concrete foundation cap. The foundation also includes perimeter-forming and interior corrugated metal pipes with upper and lower sleeved horizontally extending radial bolts that are secured to the pipes and post-tensioned to provide lateral foundation compression.

Abstract: A deck surfacing system is installed over an existing surface. The deck surfacing system comprises a plurality of planks. Spacers are located between at least some of the planks. The planks have top, bottom, and side surfaces. The side surfaces of the planks have side recesses. When installed, portions of the spacers are embedded in the side recesses of the planks. In addition to spacing the planks horizontally, the spacers can resist vertical and/or lengthwise movement of adjacent planks.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to deck fasteners for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and more particularly with a deck fastener which does not protrude from the deck surface.

Abstract: A method of construction by which the framework of various structures can be erected in a Geodesic manner is proposed. These structures are Geodesic in that they are comprised of a large number of a few identical parts and such that the pressure on the structure is distributed throughout the structure: In this case, the thicker the Dimensions of the parts the greater the strength of the structure. This method uses hollow hexagonal and hollow pentagonal pyramidal frustums fastened together as the main building blocks of the Geodesic structure. These structures mirror the molecular world of the Carbon-60 molecule, the strongest molecule known for it's size. Thus, this proposed method of construction would provide structural enclosures that are immensely strong; such a structural enclosure given a superior quality rating by this method would be immune from the destructive effects of Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels may be connected in various orientations via one or more connectors. The connectors may mount to anchors associated with the panels. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located at edges of the panels.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for constructing a multilevel structure using a hybrid top chord bearing floor framing system. The method and system may include a top chord bearing floor truss positioned on a first frame structure. The top chord of the truss may include a load-bearing interface with a top surface and a bottom surface. The truss may be wholly supported by the load-bearing interface of the top chord. The method and system may further include a second frame structure on the top surface of the truss. The first frame structure may be secured to the second frame structure via a fastener that extends through both the second bottom load bearing member and load-bearing interface of the truss into the first top load bearing member of the first frame structure.

Abstract: This invention provides support structures on roofs. Such support structure can be used to support a roof load, or a closure structure which doses an aperture in the roof, thus to provide access to the interior of a building through an aperture in the roof. The support structure can support a skylight to provide natural day-lighting, or a smoke vent, or a variety of other loads optionally relating to matter or energy communication between the inside and outside of the building. The support structure includes rails adapted to be supported by adjacent rib elevations on opposite sides of a flat of a roof panel, elevated above the water line of the panel flat. Where the support structure surrounds an aperture, a diverter seals a cut away portion of the rib structure and diverts water through the rib structure and laterally away from the rail and closure structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cold formed joist that can be used in a variety of construction applications. The present cold formed joist contains three elements, each formed from sheet metal: an upper chord, an intermediate web, and a lower chord. The upper chord further contains a downwardly facing receiving channel adapted to receive the upper edge of the intermediate web, and two upwardly facing channels.

Abstract: A trim piece that encapsulates the roof, soffit and fascia of a building is described in addition to methods of making and installing the trim piece. The trim piece member provides, among other things, wind protection for buildings. The single piece of shaped trim is installed over roof members, fascia and soffit, and is attached to the wall. The trim member includes among other things, drip edges, ventilation holes, and a features that allows for condensation to collect and drip out of the inside of the installed trim. The trim is preferably comprised of a corrosion resistant aluminum-zinc alloy applied on steel by a continuous hot-dip process.

Abstract: A method of anchoring a connector in a lightweight building element is provided. The connector includes a sleeve element and a piston element with a shaft portion, wherein the shaft portion is guided by the sleeve element. The piston element and/or the sleeve element includes a thermoplastic material at least at an interface portion between the head portion and the sleeve portion. The method includes the steps of providing the connector, of providing a through hole in the first building layer of the lightweight building element, of inserting the connector through the through hole and until a distal portion rests against the second building layer. Therein, it may be the sleeve element or the piston element or both, the sleeve element and the piston element that rest(s) against the second building layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and installing a textured cementitious tile flooring product, wherein sodium bicarbonate is used to texture the tile surface and a polyurethane caulking material provides flexible joints between tiles.

Abstract: A bracket system including a bracket for use with a deck or boardwalk system. The bracket has an upper portion and a lower portion at least partially spaced away from the upper portion. The bracket is configured to receive a portion of the deck or boardwalk system between said upper and lower portions. The bracket further includes a fastener extending between the upper and lower portions and configured to urge the upper and lower portions toward each other to thereby press against the portion of the deck or boardwalk system therebetween to secure the bracket to the portion of the deck or boardwalk system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a solar panel roof-ridge mounting system for use in mounting one or more solar panels to a roof of a building. The system can comprise a base plate and a plurality of attachment members coupled to the base plate. The base plate can be configured to interface with a deck of the roof at a roof-ridge. The base plate can comprise a first side and an opposing second side. The first side can be configured for placement adjacent a first side of the roof-ridge, and the second side can be configured for placement adjacent an opposing second side of the roof-ridge. The attachment members can be configured to couple the roof-ridge mounting system to a support system of the one or more solar panels.

Abstract: A masonry wall is constructed of multiple courses of bricks, concrete blocks or other masonry units. A single-component urethane closed cell foam material is employed as bonding agent and is applied to the facing surfaces of the masonry units. The single-component material cures by absorbing water from its environment. The material sets up slowly to permit the mason to adjust positions of the masonry blocks, and cures to hardness in about a day. The amine in the single component material exchanges water molecules from alumina in the masonry units, and permits strong alumina-amine bonding. The blocks may favorably be formed of a pair of masonry faces with a foam core sandwiched between them.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of installing molding may include coupling a first molding block in a first corner formed by a first surface and a third surface and at a first distance from a second corner formed by the first surface and a second surface. The method may include coupling a lower side adjacent a first end of a first molding to a portion of a third surface of the first molding block such that a second end of the first molding is adjacent the second corner. The method may include coupling a second molding block in a third corner formed by a second surface and a third surface and at a second distance from the second corner. The method may include coupling a second molding to the second molding block such that the second ends of the first and second moldings connect forming a first joint forming a substantially right angle.