Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.

Abstract: A screed device (10) used as a guide for removing excess mortar from a vertical surface after being set to a predetermined position, consisting of an elongated, narrow, rectangular shaft that contains three grooves (12) located near the top, bottom, and center of the back side of the said shaft, each accommodating a small block (14)). The blocks are attached to the wall with self-tapping screws (22) which pass through the shaft and the blocks thereby connecting the shaft to the blocks and the blocks to the surface being coated. The shaft is able to be adjusted in and out from the blocks as necessary to achieve a plumb position by rotation of a connecting post (24) contained within the block. The connecting post has a retainer clip (26) that compresses the face of the shaft between the head of the post and the clip to keep the post from falling out of the block when adjusted.

Abstract: A carpentry tool for the installation of parallel boards includes an elongated lever having a rotatable cam pivotally affixed adjacent to a distal end of the lever, a gripper body pivotally affixed at a distal end of the lever, the gripper body having two lugs or brackets extending downward from the lower end of the gripper body, wherein the gripper body includes a multi-piece telescopic section having outer and inner tubing members in slidable engagement, the one tubing member including a first lug or bracket on a lower face thereof, another tubing member including a second lug or bracket on a lower face thereof, opposing the first bracket, and a spindle extending from an upper face of the gripper body, and a mechanism for reversibly adjusting the sliding tubing members at predetermined points.

Abstract: 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. During use, a column support jig with plural openable/closeable yokes in the apparatus supports a column horizontally for selective rotation about its long axis. A carriage in the apparatus, which holds beam-mount structures to be attached to a supported column, is selectively moveable and position-lockable in defined locations distributed along the supported column between yokes in a pair of spaced yokes to enable precision weld-attaching of the mounts to sides of the column.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding. A kit can include the joint cover assembly an a tool for forming a flooring transition from a generic element having break-away sections.

Abstract: An exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) is provided for use with associated insulation and substrate layers of a building. The system includes primary and secondary water resistant barriers on first and second surfaces of the associated insulation layer. The secondary water resistant barrier includes a single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel and adhesively securing the second surface of the associated insulation layer to the associated substrate layer. The system is usable with a plurality of associated insulation layers disposed in abutment, the single adhesive and sealing layer defining at least one channel extending from the first insulation panel to the second insulation panel and being adapted to conduct fluid therethrough. Further, a hand tool for working the adhesive and sealing layer is provided.

Abstract: A drywall panel lifter having two stanchions into which jacks are vertically set, wherein each jack has an extending portion capable of rising past the tops of the first and second stanchion respectively; a set of bars hinged to the jacks; a cross-piece assembly connecting the bars, having a crank is operatively connected to the screw gear that operates the jacks; and panel holding grippers mounted on the extending portion of the jacks.

Abstract: An article, system and method for flattening a three dimensional depression within a substrate floor. A straight edge is applied in a progressive X and Y grid fashion across the depression, with varying levels of shims defining contact locations, thereby establishing a floor template identifying common depths of depression at overlapping perimeter defined boundaries. One or more thermo-polymer sheets is resized to define an outer perimeter matching that of a perimeter boundary. A subset thickness of the sheet is incised around its outer perimeter to establish a feathering effect upon the sheet prior to it overlaying the boundary perimeter and prior to sizing and application of additional overlapping sheets up to an outermost boundary corresponding to a shallowest depression.

Abstract: A system for making a truss from joinable bar elements. The bar elements are at least in part of plant material from high-growing plants. The system further includes connecting elements to interconnect at least two of the bar elements, the bar elements and connecting elements being adapted to be connected to each other to form the truss.

Abstract: An installation pilot device includes: a base having a bottom surface and a top surface, the bottom surface being arranged to couple to a top surface of a first construction member; a bore extending through the base at an angle in the range from 50 to 70 degrees with respect to the lower surface, the bore configured to receive a fastener to be driven therethrough; a first positioning stop and a second positioning stop, each of the first and second positioning stops extending from the lower surface, the first and second positioning stops configured to receive the first construction material therebetween when the lower surface is coupled to the top surface of the decking board, and an immovable handle attached to the top surface of the base, wherein the base, the first positioning stop, and the second positioning stop are formed as a single monolithic piece.

Abstract: A tool for aligning a wind turbine tower fastener includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. A first stop is disposed on the shaft proximate a first end of the shaft and a second stop is disposed on the shaft between the first end and the second end. The tool also includes a ram reciprocally movable about the shaft between the first stop and the second stop for applying a force to the first stop and the second stop respectively. The tool further includes a fastener engaging structure disposed proximate the second end for engaging at least a portion of a fastener and transferring the force applied by the ram to at least one of the first stop and the second stop effective to urge movement of the fastener responsive to the force for aiding alignment of the fastener.

Abstract: A pressure joining method includes a hammer drill attachment device mountable within the chuck of a hand-held hammer drill. Using the hammer drill attachment, an operator installs flooring sheets onto a hook and loop flooring subfloor. The hammer drill attachment includes a shaft for mounting the attachment within the chuck. The hammer drill imparts vibration to the shaft when operated. An angled body member is attached to the shaft and extends downward toward a foot assembly having a foot pad means. The foot assembly vibrates when the hammer drill is actuated to cause the foot pad means to abut against the overlapping sheets of a flooring system and to press the sheets onto an underlying subfloor, thereby forming a seam between the edges of the floor sections.

Abstract: A new and improved single tool or jig which is universally useable in connection with the fabrication or trimming of left and right side edge portions of stair tread components, left and right end portions of stair tread side edge plank components, and stair riser components, so as to permit all of such components to be properly mated together in order to impart to the exposed or open stair members a seamless finished appearance.

Abstract: A truss assembly station may include a truss assembler. The truss assembler may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members by providing an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for constructing prefabricated foam panels is provided. While making a longitudinal pass over a foam block, the apparatus flattens the foam block, cuts longitudinal kerfs in the foam block, and draws metal studs into the kerfs. The apparatus comprises a unique, heated blade having a shape similar to the cross section of a metal stud. The blade kerfs foam blocks, including blocks made of recycled or low-grade foam. The associated method includes kerfing the foam blocks by passing the blade through the foam blocks and drawing metal studs into the kerfs.

Abstract: Moulding is formed by first making a longitudinally extending cut in the bottom wall of a conventional eavestrough in order to separate the eavestrough into two segments. The inner portion of the bottom wall is then attached to the exterior wall of a building beneath its eaves or elsewhere such that the back wall of the eavestrough projects outwardly. The front wall of the eavestrough is then hung from the projecting back wall so that it extends downwardly and inwardly toward the exterior wall of the building. The eavestrough is cut by means of a machine having a guide plate and a pair of cutting wheels. The guide plate has an opening of a shape similar to that of the cross-section of the eavestrough but slightly larger so that as the eavestrough is fed through the opening it is guided by the guide plate. The cutting wheels are positioned such that after the eavestrough exits from the opening, its bottom wall passes between the wheels where it is cut.

Abstract: A method to safely mount a building board on a bedding, so that the front surface of the boarding does not get penetrated during the time glue applied between the board and the bedding is curing or getting stiff. The method is characterized in that friction increasing elements are applied at the bedding in connection to its lower part, that glue is applied to the bedding, preferably in the shape of a string, that the board is fit up against the bedding and adjusted, and then a force is applied on the lower part of the boarding at the position of rearward arranged friction increasing elements such that these element are activated and penetrate the rear surface of the board and assist in holding the whole weight of the board.

Abstract: A tower segment erection tool having a frame with a first side, a second side showing in the opposite direction than the first side and a holding mechanism for holding the frame with its first side at the bottom of a tower segment to be erected. A first support element adjoins the frame's second side such that it is located substantially under a section of the tower segment's peripheral wall when the tool is attached to the tower segment to be erected. The first support element has a curved surface allowing a rolling motion of the tower segment erection tool A second support element adjoins the frame's second side and has a foot that is spaced from the curved surface of the first support element such that it is located substantially in the tower segment's centre axis and that it is further away from the tower segment's bottom in a direction parallel to the tower segment's centre axis than the curved surface when the tower segment erection tool is attached to the tower segment to be erected.

Abstract: A concrete panel pre-pour marking system in the form of a portable stand that includes a central reference pointer at the bottom end of the stand that is used as a starting point. The upper end of the stand has a computer processor, keypad, display screen and a device for reading pre-saved construction drawings for the panels to be formed. Key points for locating panel corners, arches, lift inserts, reveals, openings, and other required features are identified with a projection of laser beam(s) to the specific point on the surface upon which the forms are to be laid out and the concrete to be poured.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for positioning and fixing floorboards (12) includes an anchor portion (16) and a floorboard-engaging portion (18) which can be urged, via pneumatic actuators (22), into engagement with a floorboard. The apparatus (10) also includes a pneumatic fixing device (36) for fixing the positioned floorboard in place. The apparatus (10) is lightweight and portable, and operated by a user from a standing position.

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: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a molding piece such as a piece of chair molding or crown molding against a wall surface at a prescribed distance from a floor surface. The apparatus includes an elongate body having opposing first and second ends and a head assembly coupled to the first end of the elongate body. The head assembly is configured to encapsulate and support a portion of the molding piece that is disposed adjacent the wall surface at a prescribed distance from said floor surface while the second end of the elongate body is disposed adjacent to the floor surface and the first end of the elongate body is disposed adjacent the wall surface. The apparatus thereby supports the encapsulated portion of the molding piece that is disposed adjacent the wall surface at said prescribed distance from said floor surface without further intervention.

Abstract: A variable angle mastic applicator features a first panel and a second panel pivotally connected thereto to allow pivoting of the second panel relative to the first along an axis extending therealong. A delivery passage communicates at opposite ends with opposite sides of the first and second panels to allow delivery of mastic from a source side of the panels to an application side of the panels. The pivoting of the second panel relative to the first panel allows change of an angle at which the first and second panels diverge. A method of applying mastic involves changing the angle at which the first and second panels diverge to generally match a corner angle defined by two sheets of drywall and then delivering mastic through the delivery passage of the applicator with each panel having been placed against a respective one of the sheets of drywall adjacent the corner.

Abstract: A window unit installation safety device is disclosed for supporting a window unit in place in a rough opening during window unit installation. The window unit installation device is securable onto the window unit and is configured to safely and retentively support the window unit in a framed rough opening, such as a framed sidewall of a residential or commercial building. The window unit installation device includes a plurality of spaced legs configured to be received over a window nail fin.

Abstract: A device for connecting a framework of lengths of timber includes a number of upper and lower frame sections, as well as a number of diagonals or struts wherein at least one press tool is disposed to fixedly press at least one nail plate over joints between the lengths of timber, and that the press tools are disposed in a portal with a number of upper beams and a number of lower beams on which the press tools are adjustable reciprocally across the framework between a position in which the press tool collects a pair of nail plates, and a position over a joint for fixedly pressing one of the nail plates on the upper side and the other on the under side of the joint.

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: An apparatus (100) for aiding in the installation of successive horizontal layers of siding members (150) to a sidewall construction (50) of a building. The apparatus also seals the vertical and horizontal seams between adjoining and successive horizontal layers of the siding members (150). In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) is used to aid in the installation and sealing of siding members (150) comprised of a fiber cement composite material. The fiber cement composite siding members (150) are heavier than traditional siding pieces and require more than one person to lift for installation. With the use of the apparatus (100), successive horizontal layers of composite siding members (150) can be installed on the sidewall construction (50) by a single person. One or more sealing members (107) secure and seal the siding members (150) to the apparatus (100) and provide a moisture impervious seal between adjoining and successive horizontal layers of the siding members (150).

Abstract: The nail brace applicator serves for the application of a strip-shaped and leaf-spring-like nail brace onto a nail of a toe or finger. It comprises an elongated main body extending in a longitudinal direction, having a first end face extending approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and having a first application zone with a first application surface formed by the first end face. Additionally, the nail brace applicator comprises a mounting element for releasably mounting the nail brace to be applied on the first application surface.

Abstract: A foam filling member having a foaming base material in sheet form which is simplified in structure so that it can be formed into a predetermined shape corresponding to a shape of a space of a structure with an improved working efficiency and can also be placed in a space of the structure with an improved working efficiency, without any need of the sticking to a wall surface of a partition wall defining the space of the structure. Incisions 4, 5, 6, 7, cut in partway along a thickness direction of the foaming base material 2 along a bending portion and cuts 9, 10 passing through in the thickness direction are formed in the foaming base material 2. By simply bending or folding the foaming base material 2 along the incisions 4, 5, 6, 7 and the cuts 9, 10, the foam filling member 1 can be formed in a three-dimensional shape corresponding to an interior space of a pillar and thus can be set in place in the interior space.

Abstract: A container is provided having a periphery and a base, which enclose a cavity. The periphery and the base are connected together, the periphery upwardly extending from the base. The periphery has a first slot and a substantially opposing second slot. Each of the first and second slots is sized to permit a first end of a tape located on a roll to be slid through it. A tape holder may be connected to the container so that the tape holder lies outside of the cavity of the container. The roll of tape can be placed on the tape holder so when the tape is pulled through the “mud box”, the tape is thereby unwound. As the tape is manually pulled through the “mud box”, joint compound is thinly applied to one side of the tape. As this is done, the joint compound begins to “adhere” to the tape, conditioning the tape for excellent wall adhesion.

Abstract: A clip for connecting steel bars, the clip having two loop shaped ends which are connected by a intermediate wire piece which is bent such that the clip can be mounted on a crossing of at least two rods and will keep its position on that rod before the clip is twisted to secure the rods together. Also disclosed is a hook for engaging such a clip, wherein the hook has a shaft that, on one end is provided with the hook element and that, on the other free end is insertable in a hand power tool such as a hand drill. Further a method for connecting at least two steel bars crossing each other is provided, the method including the use of a jig, clips and a hook with a hand powered tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the construction of a civil engineering structure comprising first and second superimposed components. According to this method: the second component is positioned beneath a fixed lifting structure comprising lifting means, the second component is lifted using the lifting means, the first component is positioned beneath the fixed lifting structure substantially below the second component, and the second component is substantially placed on the first component using the lifting means.

Abstract: This tool allows a craftsman to use an age old, proven method to align metal doors to door frames in an efficient fashion.

Abstract: A preferred example of a pre-assembled, impermeable fire-barrier system for use in expansion-joint spaces between spaced building units includes a fire-barrier having a first multi-layer of outermost protective cloth layer overlain by an insulation blanket overlain by stainless steel foil, a second multi-layer, overlaying and fixedly attached to the first multi-layer, containing an insulation blanket overlain by impermeable silicon cloth, overlain by a limited layer of intumescent material, and a first attachment apparatus for attaching a first long edge of the fire-barrier to a building unit and a second attachment apparatus for attaching the opposing second long edge to an opposing spaced building unit, which attachment apparatus may be fixedly attached to the barrier, and where the barrier system is fitted throughout with a drain aperture and an drainage hose emanating from the aperture, the hose protected from the heat of a fire.

Abstract: The Rebar Tie Wrench provides a method to manually wrap rebar wire in a uniform manner, reduces stress to the hands, wrist and forearms of the installer. The period of time to manually wrap the rebar tie wire is reduced and worker fatigue is minimized.

Abstract: A pair of generally linear templates each includes one vertical edge convolved in substantially identical stepped convolutions that are each respectively conformed to support the lower end edges of an array of lapboards on the exterior of a building wall structure. Each of the templates include a set of laterally offset attachment brackets provided with spring opposed fasteners that are useful to temporarily secure the templates to the wall structure at a securement interval that is greater than the span of the lapboards, thus exposing the lapboard ends for their proper alignment as the lapboards are affixed to the wall structure.

Abstract: A guide bracket is attached to a screw gun that is used to drive screws into a window rough opening. The heads of the screws are used to define set offs to position a window jamb box in a desired position in the window opening relative to a window installed in the opening. The bracket is attached to the screw gun in any appropriate manner and includes a stop member that stops travel of the screw gun as it is being operated to drive the set off screws; the stop abuts a reference surface on the window frame to thereby fix the position of the jamb box when installed into the rough opening.

Abstract: A hand applicator of a system for installing clips upon reinforcement bars includes a receiver tip extending from a palm plate and having a width selected to receive clips made of opposing clasp assemblies adapted to allow the user to attach the first clasp assembly of the bar clip to a reinforcement bar without direct manipulation of the bar clip onto the bar. The applicator further includes a retaining plate having a guide channel adapted to receive an extended thumb or finger from the user's hand while gripping the palm plate. The hand applicator includes a heel plate attached or integrally affixed to the palm plate and disposed so as to define a heel angle of between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees. The heel plate is operable with the palm plate and the retaining plate to provide for ease of gripping and controlling the hand applicator with one hand of the user.

Abstract: An improved joist hanger tool suitably adapted to be placed over a standard joist hanger which is in turn placed over the end of a joist, to shape the joist hanger to its proper installation configuration and to hold the joist hanger securely to the joist so that the installer has both hands free to support the joist and/or to fasten the joist hanger to a header; said joist hanger tool being a substantially “U”-shaped, monolithic clip fashioned out of a flexible, resilient, and substantially rigid material, having a wider bottom, an intermediate narrowest point, and a flared open end.

Abstract: A water jet-assisted blowing and vacuum apparatus for cleaning gutters having a curved end attachment member for connection to an elongated air conduit to reach into gutter areas, and a pressurized water nozzle mounted to the air conduit curved end member and oriented to loosen gutter debris adjacent the operating free end of the curved end attachment member. The water nozzle can be mounted internally or externally of the curved end attachment member, as well as positioned so as to be removed from or closely adjacent to the operating end of the curved end attachment member.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of grinding side ridge line portion and a side surface of concrete block which is capable of attaining a natural rough ground surfaces, and improving a grinding efficiency by preventing ground block pieces from depositing on a conveyor.

Abstract: A device for retaining sheets of construction material in a generally upright position includes an elongated base member having an attachment structure at a first end that permits attachment of the elongated base member to a support surface with the elongated base member extending generally horizontally away from a support surface to which the base member is attached. The device further includes a retaining member having a female connecting structure at an upper end of the retaining member. The female connecting structure slidably connects the retaining member to the base member such that the retaining member can be positioned at a selected one of a plurality of positions along the base member. The retaining member further includes a retaining arm that extends downwardly from the female connecting structure. A releasable connecter structure selectively prevents movement of the retaining member relative to the base member in at least a first direction.

Abstract: A device and method for the proper installation of flexible flooring such as sheet flooring and more particularly the formation of flash coving and proper installation thereof comprising two complementary portions of a guide tool of proper angles and straightedges required to form mitered corner formation and installation.

Abstract: A safely device and method for construction sites provide secure and easy fastening of a sheet material over an opening in a concrete slab. By covering the opening, injuries and other risks posed by openings can be avoided. Holes are formed through the concrete around the opening and then a two part fastener is used to securely hold the sheet material (e.g., plywood).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for post-installation in-situ barrier creation. A multi-layered device provides a medium for of remedial substances such as waterproofing resins or cements, insecticides, mold preventatives, rust retardants and the like. The multi-layer device preferably consists of three conjoined layers: first layer, intermediate layer, and second layer, and at least one piping. The first layer is preferably semi-permeable; the second layer is a non-permeable layer; the intermediate layer is a void-inducing layer. The second layer, intermediate layer, and first layer are fixedly attached, with the intermediate layer interposed between the second layer and the first layer. The multi-layered device is fixedly attached to shoring system exterior surface. At least one piping is engagedly attached to a panel of the multi-layered device. A structural construction material is constructed exterior the multi-layer device.

Abstract: A siding installation system uses a clip that mounts on a course of siding and a removable tool that engages the clip and acts as a temporary support for a next course of siding. After the next course of siding is installed, the tool may be removed and the clip left in place. The clip may have several different embodiments, including versions that slide behind a lower course of siding and other embodiments that are fastened to an exterior wall. The clip may rest on the top surface of the lower course and have an engagement mechanism for the removable tool. The removable tool may clamp or otherwise engage the clip and have a support surface for the next course of siding. In some embodiments, the removable tool may have a changeable support surface so that different overlap distances may be used.

Abstract: A drywall tape dispensing tool for applying drywall tape and joint compound simultaneously to a drywall joint. The apparatus includes a tape dispensing mechanism fastened to a housing with a chamber for holding drywall joint compound. A tape is passed from the dispenser through the chamber where both sides of the tape are exposed to the compound. Excess compound is removed from the tape as it passes through a tape dispensing slot. An adjustable plate allows a user to selectively determine the amount of joint compound removed from the tape and the amount of pull necessary to bring the tape through the chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of applying a wall covering to a vertical wall surface. The method comprises applying a wall covering having a back surface comprising a first polymer layer to a wall surface comprising a second polymer layer. The wall covering is applied to the wall surface such that the first and second polymer layers of the wall covering and the wall are in mutual contact whereby the wall covering is removably retained on the vertical wall without the use of an adhesive. A wall covering system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building frame including a load-bearing portion which is defined by a pattern of interconnected, elongate, upright columns and laterally extending beams, with each column taking the form of an assembly of hollow, tubular column components, at least some of which each possesses a nominally open, upper-end utility region, or port, extending upwardly beyond the top of the frame's load-bearing portion. Each such port, which is useable in different ways during and after initial building construction, accommodates, under different circumstances, the selective reception of a construction-extension instrumentality drawn from the list consisting of (a) an installable/removable crane structure, (b) a column-like element provided for the addition of selected building superstructure, and (c) additional building infrastructure which is feedable downwardly through the port toward a selected elevation in a “completed” building.