Abstract: An improved frame assembly is provided, such as for a window or door frame assembly often referred to as a “door lite.” The improved frame assembly includes an integrally formed cooperative structure of interlocking members having a temporary transport alignment and an installation alignment. Significantly, the cooperative structure includes an alignment guide that engages in both the temporary transport alignment and installation alignment, and also includes an adjustable locking mechanism that engages in the installation alignment, wherein the adjustable locking mechanism can accommodate varying thicknesses of door lites.

Abstract: A caisson system having an attachment plate fastened to ceiling joists; compressible spacers to allow for the attachment plate to be perfectly straight; caisson frames consisting of a combination of a pair of length planks and a pair of width planks to create a generally rectangular structure; length cover planks and width cover planks, along with tiles to finish the caisson frames.

Abstract: A building framework includes plural column assemblies interconnected by plural full-length beam assemblies, with the union of the column assemblies and beam assemblies forming beam-to-column joint assemblies according to this invention. The column assemblies include pairs of side plates spanning the column members of the column assemblies and projecting toward another column assembly of the plurality of such column assemblies. The full-length beam assemblies include beam members for being received between column assemblies to be interconnected and defining an end gap with respect to each column member. Additionally, the full-length beam assemblies include at each opposite end portion thereof a pair of cover plates, including an upper cover plate and a lower cover plate, which cover plates are sized and configured to be united with the side plates of a column assembly, as by welding applied at a construction site.

Abstract: An improved structure, whereby the log structure is comprised of at least two adjacent walls mated to form a corner, with each wall constructed of logs laid horizontally upon each other, the logs alternating between protruding and nonprotruding logs, such that the ends of the protruding logs of the walls are interleaved, with the ends of the protruding logs of the first wall having notches cut from them to facilitate the mating of the first and second walls, and further comprising plugs to be inserted into the notches upon completion of assembly of the log structure, and a method for constructing same.

Abstract: A composite concrete column comprising: upper and lower concrete column portions extending in the lengthwise direction and having an exposed portion between the upper and lower concrete column portions; an H-beam connected between the upper and lower concrete column portions to be exposed at the exposed portion; and a plurality of reinforcement bars embedded in the upper and lower concrete column portions around the H-beam to extend in the lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A computerized prefab architect design system (CPAD) and method for the fabrication of frame-structured buildings with all functions, including an integrating device for integrating building design elements including customer acknowledged floor plans, plumbing layouts, electricity wiring layouts and structure/strength parameters into an assembly drawing; a dividing device for forming segments and layouts of wall panels, floor/ceiling panels and roof panels, layouts of roof trusses, and segments and layouts of plumbing, wiring and jointers in accordance with a segmentation rule for buildings comprising a local building specification, segmentation based on a loading size of a shipping container, strength and structural requirements of buildings, requirements for convenient on-site work and flexible assembly lines at factories; a generating device for generating a polygon stencil for components of the prefab architect based on said segments and layouts, said stencil including building frames, functional boards t

Abstract: A masonry wall includes a masonry foundation, a flashing unit disposed on the masonry foundation, a masonry weep structure, a mortar bed and at least one layer of masonry units disposed upon the mortar bed. A gap defined between the back surface of the masonry unit and the back edge is sufficient to allow water that has seeped through a plurality of masonry units to downwardly toward the platform. A mesh masonry weep structure is disposed on the platform of the flashing unit to allow drainage of water that has seeped behind the wall. A modular flashing unit and template system facilitates building a masonry foundation and quick application of flashing.

Abstract: A space frame connector is provided for attaching an oblique strut tube to an axial chord of a space frame. The space frame connector includes a collar adapted to fit over an axial chord. The collar is equipped with one or more attachment flanges. The space frame connector also includes a strut tube having an extrusion flange formed in at least one of its ends. The extrusion flange is made up of two parallel leaves that define a slot between them. The slot is sized and shaped to fit over an attachment flange on the collar that is positioned over the axial chord. The extrusion flange can be formed using simple press and punch tools. Space frames used to support solar energy collector arrays can be assembled in the field, including formation of the extrusion flanges on the oblique strut tubes, or multiple strut tubes can be attached to axial chords and compactly packed and transported to the field for use in constructing space frames, for example for supporting large parabolic trough solar collectors.

Abstract: A recess former (30) is disclosed for use with anchors (35) which are to be cast into a concrete slab (61). The recess former (30) preferably includes a removable plug (36) and preferably rectangular lugs (57) which engage with corresponding apertures in the attachment head (34) of the lifting anchor and prevent the ingress of cement during casting of the slab (61). In addition, flaps (51) are preferably provided on the recess former to prevent the sides of the attachment head (34) from being encased in the concrete. Preferably the former is pivoted between open and closed positions and has a slightly V-shaped base which when abutted against a mould or formwork, urges the recess former into the closed position. Furthermore, a recess former (60-60I) is disclosed which stays behind after the casting and remains embedded in the concrete in order to provide a waterproof membrane between the recess (62) and adjacent reinforcing rods (58, 59, 71) thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy conversion device including a roofing material having one or more open channels and one or more photovoltaic modules, characterised in that the one or more photovoltaic modules is bonded directly or indirectly to the roofing material so as to form one or more covered channels through which fluid can flow. In this manner an energy conversion device may be formed in a standard roofing material combining the benefits of Photovoltaic modules to generate electricity and a solar thermal collector to provide heat from the Sun in a single integrated device.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and corresponding methodologies 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. Methodologies and apparatus for fabrication of concrete structure used in constructing the base support are also disclosed, with a focus on staves and various ring piece constructions.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete ceiling is characterized by a combination of the following features: a concrete slab (1) the thickness (D) of which falls short of the total thickness of the reinforced concrete ceiling, and intersecting ribs (2) which are each connected with an end region (3) to the concrete slab (1) in a force-transmitting manner and project freely upwards from the concrete slab (1), i.e., without being integrated in a further supporting surface structure, wherein their top end regions (4) are designed to absorb compressive and/or tensile forces and wherein the ribs (2) are connected to each other in a frictional manner at the respective intersection points (9), and their regions lying in each case between the top and bottom end regions (3,4) have at least one aperture (6).

Abstract: A mounting tool arranged at an elevator car raisable and lowerable along guide rails by a hoist in an elevator shaft. The hoist is suspended at a load hook of a shaft ceiling, wherein a support cable is connected with a load eye of a car yoke. The mounting tool includes a pivot support pivotally arranged at an axle of a tool foot supported by the car yoke. A load carrier carrying an elevator drive is provided at a free end of the pivot support. An assembly operative standing on the car yoke operates the hoist and the mounting tool.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a wall portion having an opening defined by an opening edge portion that surrounds the opening. The opening defines an opening width and an opening height and the opening edge portion, at least in part, is generally defined by a first plane. The apparatus also includes a face frame portion having an outer frame edge, an inner frame edge, a first frame surface, a generally opposing second frame surface. The apparatus further includes a recessed portion having a first outer peripheral edge surrounding a central recess. The recessed portion at least partially extends into the opening. The inner frame edge includes a peripheral bead for at least partially guiding a working tool as a compound is applied to at least a portion of the first frame surface. The second frame surface selectively abuts the opening edge portion.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for precision deploy-attaching beam-mount structure to the outside of an elongate column at plural, defined attachment sites that are distributed and spaced along the length of the column. The method involves (a) preparing an elongate column to act as a travel way for a carriage which is designed to transport and deploy beam-mount structure, shifting such a carriage progressively along the column from defined attachment site to defined attachment site, and at each such site, deploy-attaching from the carriage to the column the carriage-carried beam-mount structure.

Abstract: The method is for forming a trim molding around a window or door opening defined by a lintel and opposite jambs. L-shaped corner trim pieces and vertical casings and at least one horizontal casing are provided. Each corner trim piece has a vertical leg and a horizontal leg. The vertical and horizontal legs of the trim pieces have a first width and a first thickness. The vertical and horizontal casings have a second width and second thickness. The L-shaped corner trim pieces are located on the jambs and the lintel at the right and left upper corners of the opening. The inner edges of the vertical and horizontal legs are each parallel to an inner edge of the jambs and the lintel. Outer abutment ends of the vertical and horizontal casings are placed in direct abutment contact with the vertical and horizontal legs of the trim pieces.

Abstract: A snow guard and snow guard cover are provided which allow the cover to be attached to the snow guard to conceal the snow guard from view. The cover allows the snow guard to better match the finish of the roof, and protects the snow guard from sunlight.

Abstract: The invention is a method for constructing solar energy mounting apparatuses in which structural elements of the apparatus are cast in molds formed on a substantially horizontal surface. A self curing compound, such as reinforced concrete, is used as the material for the structural elements. After curing for sufficient time to achieve strength necessary to allow for handling, the structural element is hoisted into place in a substantially non-horizontal position. Alternatively, the structural element may be used in the moving portion of a solar energy mounting apparatus that performs a tracking function. The use of reinforced concrete in the structural elements of solar energy mounting apparatuses allows for cost reduction over the prior art in that reinforced concrete is less expensive on a unit strength basis than other typical structural materials, such as steel and aluminum.

Abstract: A composite construction beam comprising a first chord and a second chord connected by a web, wherein the first and second chords are made of wood or a wood product and the web is made of a material other than wood or a wood product such as polymer or aluminum. A method of constructing a composite beam includes forming a web from a material other than wood or a wood product and securing it to a first and second chords, which are made of wood or a wood product.

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation having upper and lower walls with a height and a thickness, the ratio of wall height to wall thickness being equal to or greater than 3 to 1 and the wall height is at least three (3) feet; and a prefabricated building positioned upon the precast concrete chain wall foundation, wherein the prefabricated building has walls that rest upon the upper surface of the pre-cast concrete chain wall foundation.

Abstract: A quoin formed of individual over-mount corner units constructed as simulated brick to match the adjoining wall panels forming the exterior cover of an exterior wall of a building is provided. The corner units are formed with a front portion configured as courses of brick separated by mortar joints joined to a rear plate that provides a support frame for the corner unit. Multiple standoffs are positioned on the rear plate opposite mortar joints formed on the front portion to provide a location for driving fasteners to mount the corner unit onto the building substructure. The overlapping nature of the corner units with respect to the wall panels allows the wall panels to be cut imprecisely at the exterior corner. The standoffs maintain a predetermined spacing between the building substructure and the rear plate to establish a channel for the drainage of moisture due to condensation or rain infiltration.

Abstract: A novel method of making a double glazed impact resistant window is provided. The method includes forming a window sash that delineates a mounting space for mounting a first pane and a second pane opposite and parallel to and spaced apart from each other, the sash having an integral spacer that forms a sealing surface of the mounting space for each pane and adhering or coating at least two layers of a durable transparent polymer film to a surface of the first pane such that the at least two layers are not adhered or coated in directions that are parallel to one another. The method further includes conforming the pane to the size and shape of the mounting space, mounting the first pane in the mounting space with the film covered surface of the pane facing the sealing surface of the integral spacer, conforming the second pane to the size and shape of the mounting space, wherein the second pane is free of the durable transparent polymer film, and mounting the second pane in the mounting space.

Abstract: In a suspended ceiling for earthquake prone locations, a line of seismic main beam connections of the invention between main beams separates the ceiling into segments that move independently of each other during a quake, to limit a build-up in ceiling momentum. A slotted fishplate in the connection is set to keep the beam ends stable about a gap before a quake, and slidably connected about the gap during a quake.

Abstract: A construction set and method for assembling a Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU) requires a plurality of flat panels that include male (M) and female (F) connectors located on their respective peripheries. The entire RHU can then be assembled using a single, hand-operated tool to engage a selected M with a selected F. First the floor is established and leveled. Next, starting at a corner, the walls are erected around the floor. Finally, the roof is created. A same, hand-operated tool is used for each task.

Abstract: A containerized portable shelter which is small and light enough for helicopter transport but which can also travel through container channels and has increased expandability of the floorspace is provided. It has a fraction (e.g. one-half) the standard ISO width, so that a plurality of modular units can be joined to form a standard ISO container. Two or more modular units can be joined side-by-side and/or end-to-end to form a compound shipping container preferably having ISO freight container characteristics.

Abstract: A floor support structure is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, the support structure may include a surface, protrusions extending from the surface to form cavities between the protrusions, and openings adjacent to the protrusions to form pathways to the cavities. The support structure provides the openings and cavities to lay a cable in any desired configuration, in addition to the structure's established function to prevent a main floor from fracture or failure when an underlying subfloor shifts or settles. As such, the need for separate heating and support structures is eliminated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perimetral slab formwork system applicable for configuring a cantilever on a base grid formwork, configured by primary beams between which formwork panels are housed. In one possible solution, it incorporates perimetral beams provided with connectors for coupling on props and a straining piece which is vertically placed between outer and inner perimetral formwork panels supported by the perimetral beams to aid in lowering a formwork stripping tool connected to the outer panels. In another solution for smaller cantilevers, it has second perimetral beams having a matching configuration with the primary beams extending with regard to the base formwork combined with perimetral clamps fitting in one of their ends provided with a connector for a prop and housing for railings.

Abstract: The invention relates to preassembled equipment and a method of transporting bulky equipment of a wind power plant from a preassembly site to an installation site, the equipment comprising at least two modules, the method comprising the steps of preassembling the modules onto a support, wherein the modules are placed at a first distance from another, transporting the support with the modules from the preassembly site to the installation site, and at the installation site, displacing the modules and fixing them at the support at a second distance being greater than the first distance While the equipment provides for sufficient space, e.g. for maintenance aisles, in its unpacked form, by transporting it in a preassembled and packed form, transportation and installation are considerably simplified.

Abstract: A column borne building construction according to the present invention comprises a building and one substantially vertical column for bearing the load of said building construction. The building has a polyhedron shape, this polyhedron shape having a top face defining a polygon shape by means of N1 top edges and N1 top vertices. The polyhedron shape comprises additional faces other than said top face, which additional faces are defined by additional edges and additional vertices. The top face is substantially perpendicular to the column and encircling the column. Each of the N1 top vertices join two top edges and at least one additional edge of the polyhedron. The column has a top coupling point and at least 3 of the N1 top vertices are connected to the column by means of a tension member. The extensions of these tension members coincide in the top coupling point.

Abstract: The present invention is a light weight decorative wood beam system. The wood beam system is comprised of at least two wood beam pieces. The wood beam pieces each have a bottom plate and two vertical plates that form a three-sided, hollow box. Each wood beam piece comprises an end with a male dado and an end with a female dado. The male and female dado ends fit over each other to create a shiplap joint. Anchor plates are fastened into a building surface and support the wood beam system. Because the wood beam system is light weight, it does not require a special anchoring system to support the real wood beams.

Abstract: A rain gutter filter apparatus and method utilize a filter element of a reticulated foam material adapted for insertion into a gutter having an open top defining a top width of the gutter. The filter element has a flat top surface with a width substantially matching the top width of the gutter, a flat bottom surface having a width less than the top width of the filter element, and front and rear surfaces extending upward from the bottom surface of the filter element to thereby form a front and a rear open passage for water on front and rear sides of the bottom surface of the filter element when the filter element is installed into the gutter. The reticulated foam material of the filter element has a composition that is flame resistant, germicidal, mold resistant, and resistant to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: There is provided a truss element in which space truss diagonal members can be easily integrally formed by being drawn in a predetermined direction. This truss element is formed in a corrugated shape with mountain portions 1a and valley portions 2 in left and right directions alternately and cut portions 4a, each which is perpendicular to a ridge line 3 of the mountain portion 1 and leaves a bottom of the valley portion uncut, and cut portions 4b, each which is perpendicular to a bottom line 5 of the valley and leaves a peak of the mountain portion uncut, are formed alternately with spaces in a front and back directions.

Abstract: A method for attaching a surface mountable unit to a ground surface, said method comprising (i) fixing a foundation frame, an upper portion of which is attachable to said surface mountable unit to the ground surface, and (ii) attaching the surface mountable unit to the upper portion of the foundation frame. Systems comprising combinations of foundation frames and surface mountable units and elements for use therein are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An insulating unit that includes at least three transparent and/or semi-transparent sheets and which includes an improved arrangement to secure one or more intermediate sheets to a spacer frame.

Abstract: An insulating unit that includes at least three transparent and/or semi-transparent sheets and which includes an improved arrangement to secure one or more intermediate sheets to a spacer frame.

Abstract: An insulating unit that includes at least three transparent and/or semi-transparent sheets and which includes an improved arrangement to secure one or more intermediate sheets to a spacer frame.

Abstract: An enclosed slide extending between a deck located above a ground surface and the ground surface. The enclosed slide includes a number of elongate sections extending between the deck and the ground surface. The sections are connected together in abutting end-to-end relations respectively. Each section includes a body and one or more flanges extending outwardly from the body and ending in notched edges, each flange being positioned substantially at one of the ends. The enclosed slide also includes a number of clamp rings. Each clamp ring includes one or more notched portions for mating with the notched edges of each pair of adjacent flanges respectively. Each clamp ring is adapted for securing the adjacent flanges in each pair to each other respectively.

Abstract: A modular building system including methods and kits is provided. The system comprises C-channels anchored to a base. Structural insulated panels are slid into the channels to form walls. Adaptors are provided to provide channels at an angle for the insertion of roof panels. The building system provides for the rapis construction of a building without the need for framing or the use of roof trusses.

Abstract: A tie for connecting and maintaining first and second panels of a concrete formwork in a fixed, spaced relationship during a wall building process is provided. The tie includes a first connector connectable to the first panel; and a second connector connectable to the second panel and connectable to at least one third panel such that the at least one third panel is spaced from the concrete surface.

Abstract: A deck is disclosed that is level with the top of a concrete/plaster pool having a decorative ribbon of tile along the top of the pool side and an apron surrounding the pool having at least a partially flat surface. The deck has a surface of deck surface members having lengths and ends, the lengths being sized to the dimensions of the pool and the surface being at the same level as the pool apron. Under the deck are supports of joists which are mostly perpendicular to the decking surface members, of underlying beams that form a sturdy base for the joists and beam hangers being secured to the sides of the pool below the decorative ribbon along the top of the pool side and being anchored into the concrete side of the pool. Also disclosed is an improved method for installing such a deck.

Abstract: A new monolithic module structure for construction and its manufacture method to build monolithic constructions. The monolithic modules can be easily-transported and easily arranged on the conceived site for the construction of the edification. The method comprises the stages of: a) manufacture of the necessary number of harnesses for the fabrication of modules and panels; b) manufacture of modules, where the foundations are fabricated over which the module exterior walls will be manufactured; c) manufacture of panels and flat roofs and of interior panels, if required, simultaneously to the modules; d) integration of interior panels into the modules; e) assembly of the flat roof over the module walls; f) transport and storage of the already assembled module for its commercialization and distribution. The method permits to obtain construction modules at high volumes to be used for diverse constructions.

Abstract: A prefabricated bathroom assembly and methods for its manufacture and installation are disclosed. For example, a prefabricated tub and/or shower assembly may be provided. In some embodiments, the prefabricated assembly may include at least a bathtub or a shower pan, tile surround(s), and a ceiling. The prefabricated assembly may be constructed substantially entirely off-site relative to a construction site and shipped to the construction site, for example, in substantially a single piece. Finishing face trim for making a seamless transition from the prefabricated assembly to the adjoining walls and ceiling may also be provided. In other embodiments, at least partially prefabricated panels (e.g., 3 wall panels and 1 ceiling panel), a tub or shower pan, the face trim, and/or other components may be shipped separately to the construction site for on-site assembly.

Abstract: A sectional swimming pool includes an inner wall unit having an interconnecting section and two side sections connected to two lateral connecting edges of the interconnecting section with a water-sealing packing strip disposed at each joint of the interconnecting section and the side sections; and an outer wall unit connected to and enclosing four outer sides of the inner wall unit to form a space between the two wall units. The water-sealing packing strips prevent water contained in the inner wall unit from leaking via the joints of the interconnecting section and the side sections, and the space between the two wall units allow easy assembling and future maintenance of the sectional swimming pool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable molding apparatus for constructing pre-cast structure. The portable molding apparatus comprises a container, a plurality of partition members, at least one retainer, and a plurality of spacing members. The container comprises a floor, and a pair of longitudinal walls vertically extending from the floor for configuring an interior space therebetween. The plurality of partition members is supported on the floor in a spaced apart manner. The at least one retainer is positioned between at least one pair of partition members of the plurality of partition members for configuring at least two sets of partition members. The plurality of spacing members is positioned between partition members of each of the at least two sets of partition members for configuring a plurality of mold cavities therebetween. The plurality of mold cavities is adapted to receive a building material for constructing the pre-cast structures.

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

Abstract: A grid simulating muntins for a multi-sheet unit includes a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal elongated members. The ends of the elongated members are shaped to engage interior surface of a spacer frame to position the grid within the spacer frame. Shaping the ends of the elongated members eliminates the need for muntin clips.

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

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for slip forming a building core is disclosed. The system may include a form and a plurality of extendable mechanisms. The form may include an inner and outer frame. The outer frame and the inner frame may define a space between the inner frame and the outer frame. The form may also be configured to accept a hardenable substance in the space, where the hardenable substance may form the building core. Each of the plurality of extendable mechanisms may include a first end, a second end, and an extendable midsection. The first end may be coupled with the form. The second end may be configured to be supported with a wall of the building core. The extendable midsection may be configured to change the distance between the first end and the second end so the form may be moved to a different elevation.

Abstract: A plurality of different types of modules are used to form external and internal walls of a building system. Adjacent modules are interlocked by first and second fitting surfaces of respective adjacent modules. First and second adjacent modules are attached using a fastening system which includes a fixing rod and wall fitting unit. A fitting surface of the first adjacent module is fitted with the wall fitting unit and the fixing rod is inserted through the second adjacent module.

Abstract: A foamed resin knockdown house in which recesses are provided in opposite end surfaces of adjacent resin segment pieces, reinforcing members are accommodated in closed spaces defined by the opposite pairs of recesses to join together the adjacent segment pieces. Thus, the house is assembled, forming a living space inside. The foamed resin knockdown houses may have inside spaces of various forms depending on the purpose for which they are used.