Abstract: This invention is related to a device for the proper alignment of falsework structures for concrete walls cast, the device has guide and support elements which facilitate the operator the appropriate installation and fixing on the “layout” which are usually in the underframe templates for walls lifting; it is a body of one piece, made form plastic resine. The configuration of the device of this invention permits that an operator fixes, manually or by using a pneumatic pistol, several devices, in order to align paralley each other, the falsework “walls” being the projected wall thickness, which corresponds to the device lenght, able to be secured in the segment which is between the guide devices. Due to its manufacturing design and material, the device has a appropriate performance with the falsework, the concrete and the steel armature.

Abstract: A wall-mounted component can be flush-mounted into a wallboard by first installing a panel with a receiver bracket flush into a wallboard. Once the panel is installed, the component can be inserted into the receiver bracket at which point a locking mechanism automatically or manually engages to lock the component into the wall. The locking mechanism is concealed from view so that a casual observer does not see how the component is affixed to the wall, yet is accessible from the wall's exterior for routine service and maintenance, as well as reinstallation of updated components.

Abstract: Tool for efficiently hanging a siding plank on a wall in overlapping relation to a previously attached siding plank. The tool can be secured to a siding plank previously attached to a wall without using a hook that extends behind the previously attached siding plank. These features make the tool more convenient to use and allow the siding job to proceed more quickly. The tool is formed from an elongated base member. A first lip and a second lip project a predetermined distance from the same side of the elongated base member at opposing first and second ends thereof. A shelf or ledge is also provided on the elongated base member.

Abstract: A wall forming apparatus and methods having a series of walls that are movable to form molding compartments into which fluid concrete can be poured and allowed to harden to form a cement wall. Spacer members determine the width of the compartments and, accordingly, the thickness of the manufactured wall. Steel cables under tension maintain the integrity of the shape of the compartments when they are subjected to the pressure applied against the walls by the fluid concrete.

Abstract: Bottom mounted (anchored) fire barrier systems include UL 2079 and ASTM 1399 tested and certified fire barrier/retainer structures, especially useful for floor/floor, wall/floor, and wall/wall expansion joint spaces formed by spaced opposing pre-cast concrete building units of 4½ inches thickness. The use of this system in structures using pre-cast building units provides room for installation of mandated rubber boots into the limited expansion joint space. Each fire barrier has affixed to its outside long edges a metal retainer that is structured for holding the barrier correctly and tightly positioned to the building unit surfaces first for secure and tight anchoring and then for providing support for the barrier to prevent leakage of gas, flame, smoke, and heat during a fire. Providing for ease of installation there is a reusable installation tool, an optional guard unit, male/female connections between barrier sections, and a splice connector butt to connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling energy from a skylight of a structure including a plurality of vanes positioned beneath the skylight and angularly adjustable to control solar radiation entering the structure through the skylight. The vanes are substantially S-shaped. A first light sensor is disposed proximate the skylight side of the vanes for providing a signal over time representative of changing incident solar radiation at the skylight side of the vanes, and a second light sensor disposed proximate the structure side the vanes for providing a signal over time representative of changing incident solar radiation at the structure side of the vanes. A control assembly is operably connected to the vanes for automatically controlling the angle of each of the vanes in response to the signals of the first and second light sensors which signals vary due to changes in incident solar radiation over time.

Abstract: A drainage wall cladding system including a substrate backing assembly, an insulation layer, and elongated adhesive ribbons compressed between the substrate backing assembly and the insulation layer. Prior to compression, the ribbons have a base portion and a top portion formed on the base portion. After compression, the top portion is substantially compressed and the base portion is minimally compressed, wherein the adhesive ribbons are formed such that formation of cavities is minimized. Preferably, the base and top portions are trapezoidal in cross-sectional shape. A trowel or push box may be used to form the adhesive ribbons. An edge of such trowel and a blade of such push box define one or more notches to create ribbons with a trapezoidal base portion and a smaller trapezoidal top portion.

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 tile grouting machine has an electric motor mounted in a housing. At one end of the housing is a rubber boot having an outer edge and a back wall so as to form a cavity to receive grout. A drive connects the shaft of the motor to the boot and the drive includes a cam for shaking the boot in a direction parallel to the plane defined by the open end of the boot.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for urging a flooring strip into close or tight engagement with the adjacent flooring strip, which has already been fixed into position, and holding the flooring strip securely in position for nailing or otherwise fixing the flooring strip. The invented device has a base plate with having holes therein for attachment to a floor (subfloor), a rack and pinion gear arrangement where the rack has an angle iron style pusher-puller ram pusher at the end of the rack, the end of the base plate having a removable shoe, and a rack housing situated on the base plate with an associated pinion gear engaging the rack and operated by a levering handle for urging the flooring strip into position for installation.

Abstract: A device for cutting a substrate including a frame with a first cutting mechanism operatively connected to the frame. The first cutting mechanism is slidable in a first direction relative to the frame. The device further includes a second cutting mechanism operatively connected to the frame, which is slidable in the first direction as well as slidable in a second direction relative to the frame. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first and second cutting mechanisms are adjustable to select a desired cut depth and a thickness of a substrate such that the frame may be moved along an edge of the substrate to remove excess material from the substrate.

Abstract: A compact, flexible device capable of receiving a human finger which allows a person to easily and efficiently smooth filler material into a desired space, while also allowing the user to handle other objects and/or complete other tasks without removing the device from his or her person.

Abstract: An appliance is provided for fitting a corner piece in the form of a module for a floor and wall covering. The appliance comprises a floor base comprising a rear part to support the operative's knees and forwardly having a fixed shaped bracket. An upper part of the bracket accommodates a support yoke which can be angularly oriented relative to the bracket. The support yoke is designed to receive a first structure for centering the appliance against the corner of the wall which receives the module, a second structure for gripping by the operative and a third structure for actuating and transmission and pressing against the module in order to obtain final shaping of the module. The third structure contributes to creep deformation of certain parts of the module to be fitted.

Abstract: A positioning device for adjusting a horizontal position of a window frame is disclosed herein, which includes a tube-shaped seat having a chamber defined therein and a limit slot formed on a side wall thereof; a lifting tube, in which an end of the lifting tube is received in the chamber of the seat, a screw is inserted through the limit slot and screwed into a fixing hole on a side wall of the lifting tube, whereby the lifting tube can be fastened on the seat, and a portion of the lifting tube is exposed from a top of the seat; an upper board mounted on the other end of the lifting tube; and an elastic member sleeved into the lifting tube and having both ends respectively pressed against the seat and the upper board.

Abstract: A drywall panel installation tool provides engagement for the trailing edge of a drywall panel that is being installed having an internal or external radius curved surface. The tool may include a first flat plate having apertures therein for insertion of the fasteners, a second surface extending from a longitudinal edge of the flat plate and a flange or lip for engaging an edge of the drywall panel, the flange extending from a second longitudinal edge of the flat plate in a direction opposite to that of the extension of the first surface.

Abstract: Methods of replacing a damaged wall of a coke oven having a height h and a length l are provided. In one aspect, the method comprises removing the damaged wall from the coke oven, casting, outside of the oven, a replacement wall section having a length equal to the length l of the damaged coke oven wall and a height equal to the height h of the damaged coke oven wall, and positioning, inside the coke oven, the replacement wall section.

Abstract: A device and method that allows the installation of construction materials, such as drywall, by a single person, is described. The device includes an extension (or hoist) section coupled at one end to a support that can receive and support a piece of drywall during installation. The extension section is further coupled to a base portion at the end opposite to the support. The base portion includes a pivot feature that serves to lift the construction materials into an elevated position once it has been positioned on the support. The extension is adjustable to install construction drywall on a stud wall at various heights. A stand member allows the drywall to be supported in the elevated position. The base portion is foldable between a transport position and an operating position to facilitate transport and shipping.

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: A device for attaching a profiled trim to a portion of a shaped bead mounted on a glazing, for example mounted on at least part of the periphery of a glazing. The device includes at least one rigid clip including at least an upstream interacting part configured to allow interaction with the shaped bead and a downstream interacting part configured to allow interaction with the profiled trim. The upstream interacting part includes at least one protruding male element or a hollow female element, this element interacting respectively with a corresponding hollow female element or a protruding male element arranged in the shaped bead. The hollow female element has internal dimensions at least partially less than external dimensions of the protruding male element.

Abstract: A tool and method for abutting an individual floor panel which is near an obstruction, such as a wall, to the assembled floor. The tool and method provide a rod having a flanged member at one end. The flanged member has a notch in its vertical flange which contacts the floorboard to be abutted, requiring a minimal amount of space between the obstruction and floorboard to be set. A sliding weight mounted on a rod can then be slid toward an impact surface resulting in a horizontal force being applied to the individual floorboard thereby abutting or setting that floorboard with respect to the assembled floor. An especially useful application for the device and method is in the installation of a tongue-in-groove laminate floor in which the individual floorboards have a tongue and groove connection on their ends.

Abstract: A beam-like structural component (1) made up of individual parts, comprising a flange (2) and two webs (3, 4) is characterized in that a flange (2) is provided with one web (3, 4) each on its two longitudinal sides, wherein each web is attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the flange (2) preferably by means of an adhesive material, and that the end regions (7) of the webs (3, 4), which end regions are facing away from the flange (2), are planarly interconnected with the surfaces (8, 9) facing each other preferably by means of an adhesive material, wherein the webs (3, 4), in their cross-sections, have in each case the shape of a “stretched S”.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the automatic construction of buildings or other heavy constructions by a method and a device suitable for reducing the construction time and for assisting its relative operations. This method comprises the steps of CAD-modelling a structure through volume or surface modelling steps, sectioning the structure computed model with horizontal parallel planes according to a predetermined pitch, prearranging an apparatus that deposits in alternation a layer of granular material and a liquid binder only in coincidence with the solid portions of said plane, within containing walls that define a closed perimeter. This method can be carried out by an apparatus having a horizontal frame (1) suitable for supporting a bridge crane (15) capable of causing and operating head to move (16) in a horizontal plane defined by said horizontal frame (1).

Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system having a flexible tongue (30) in a displacement groove (40), which during a vertical folding motion is displaced. Moreover, a tongue blank (50), a production method and an installation method are shown.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a window sash (54) has clamps (14, 16) for clamping the support apparatus to a frame unit (52) of a window assembly (50) and support arms (42) mounted on the support apparatus for supporting the window sash (54) in an open position relative to the frame unit (52). The apparatus has the advantage that it allows a window sash of the type that opens outwardly of a building to be removed and/or installed from the interior of the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for selectively dispensing reinforcement material into a concrete component. The apparatus is capable of providing, positioning and embedding any form of rolled reinforcement materials into both prefabricated concrete components and cast-in-place concrete components which can be operated by a minimal number of personnel in a timely and economical manner, and which can be used to mass produce concrete components.

Abstract: A J-runner, used in the construction of shaft walls in buildings is provided with a lifting element or ledge or both to permit simple centering of studs or shaft walls or both. By providing a lifting member in a lower J-runner, the studs or shaft walls or both can rest upon the lifting member to assist in vertically centering the studs or shaft walls or both when the shaft is fully constructed.

Abstract: A bar connecting apparatus applies clips to connect transverse bars used in reinforced concrete. A clip string is fed into the bar connecting apparatus by a clip feed assembly, so several pairs of transverse bars can be connected in rapid succession. A hammer reciprocates in the barrel of the bar connecting apparatus, and drives a clip from the barrel into engagement with the bars. An alignment head aligns the bar connecting apparatus with the transverse bars so the clips properly engage the bars.

Abstract: A method and a device for directly molding a glazing gasket by extruding a molding material from a molding die to a peripheral edge part of a double-glazing panel in which a space layer is formed between two adjacent glass sheets with a spacer interposed in between. The molding die is configured of a front die and a rear die, which are independent of each other. The front die is allowed to adhere closely to at least the front surface of the double-glazing panel, and the rear die is allowed to adhere closely to at least the rear surface of the double-glazing panel, thereby molding the glazing gasket.

Abstract: A ceiling panel installation bracket has first and second flanges, and is alternatively attachable to an overhead joist or to a vertical surface of a top plate spanning a set of wall studs. The bracket has a hinged flange to which an elongated, oblique, floor-engaging, panel support can be secured. Two assemblies, each consisting of a bracket and an elongated panel support are used in laterally space relationship to guide a ceiling panel into place. Retractable stops provided on the oblique supports are used to support a ceiling panel temporarily.

Abstract: A system may install a floor above a sub-floor surface, the floor having a board abutting adjacent boards. The system may include a lowering apparatus, a positioning apparatus, and a securing apparatus. The lowering apparatus may be adapted to receive the board and to lower the board to the floor. The positioning apparatus may be adapted to position the board in contact with one or more of the adjacent boards. The securing apparatus may be adapted to secure the board to the sub-floor surface.

Abstract: A tool for installing sheets of drywall and the like on a ceiling has a base with a pivot member thereon. The tool can be mounted on a ceiling joist and pivots between an open and closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing cracks, crevices, joints, and other discontinuities in a chimney flue liner, comprises a flexible, resilient applicator having a liquid impervious rubberized coating. An electrical vibrator is installed within the applicator, for tamping the mortar or grout material into any discontinuities in the flue liner. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed, comprising drawing the applicator downwardly through the flue from top to bottom, connecting the vibrator to a suitable source of electrical power, placing the applicator at the bottom end of the flue, pouring mortar or grout material into the chimney from the top with the mortar flowing to the sides of the applicator and between the applicator and flue liner, and drawing the applicator upwardly through the flue liner while operating the vibrator to coat the interior of the flue liner and tamp the repair material thoroughly into any discontinuities in the liner.

Abstract: A sheet material handling device for assisting a drywall installer in installing sheet material, such as drywall or gypsum board, in an overhead location such as a ceiling of a structure. The device includes base and a pivoting sheet support that is adjustable in several planes to help locate the device relative to the job site and the ceiling in the job site. The drywaller assembles the device, places a sheet of drywall on the device, raises the sheet of drywall into position using the device, secures the pivoting sheet support and then fastens the drywall to the ceiling joists.

Abstract: To erect metal utility poles, a plurality of tubular sections of utility poles are fabricated, each having tapered portions and the diameter of one being slightly larger than the diameter of another. The sections are brought to a site for erection and pulled together with short repeated strokes of a hydraulic cylinder attached to one section with its piston rod connected to another section of utility pole. In one embodiment it is not necessary to manually adjust the mechanism pulling the sections of utility poles together and in another embodiment, a light flexible cord is attached to one section and a hydraulic cylinder to another section. The hydraulic cylinder pulls the cord and when the piston rod is extended for the next retraction, the cord length is adjusted.

Abstract: A concrete slab lifter is disclosed, wherein the concrete slab lifter comprises a central support, a bottom plate attached to the bottom of the central support, a pair of wheels attached near the bottom of the central support, a jaw pivotally attached to the central support, and a handle attached to the top of the central support. The jaw is configured to slide along the central support and comprises a first member attached to the central support and configured to lock in a position flush against the central support, a second member attached perpendicularly to the first member, and a tooth comprising a sharpened plate attached perpendicularly to the second member.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying lap siding including a main body chassis, a lap siding clamp member, an exposure rod, and a lap siding rest platform. The main body chassis includes a main body base plate with a siding clamp rod support member and a siding backing member positioned opposite and substantially parallel to the siding clamp rod support member. The siding clamp includes a threaded siding clamp rod which adjustably engages the siding clamp rod support member, and has a clamping head attached to its inner end. The exposure rod extends substantially perpendicularly upwardly from the main body base plate. The lap siding rest platform is substantially parallel with the main body base plate and is attached to the exposure rod in a manner adapted to allow for vertical adjustment thereof to a predetermined height above the main body base plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for repairing nail pops in a wallboard is disclosed. The apparatus can be placed In a first state in which it acts as a cutting tool and can be used to cut a bore hole into a wallboard to separate a popped nail from the wallboard. The apparatus can also be placed in a second state in which it acts as a driving or impact tool and can be used to drive the popped nail which has been separated from the wallboard, into a framing support. The apparatus may be comprised of first and connecting members and a cutting member. The driving member may have an elongated core and may be connected by the connecting member to the cutting member. The driving member may be able to slide with respect to the connecting member to allow the apparatus to change from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A robotic carriage for measuring the camber of a large-span structural beam is provided. The carriage includes a frame having a platform supported by a plurality of legs having wheels rotatably mounted at the ends of the legs. The legs elevate the platform above vertically extending obstacles, such as shear studs, which are frequently present on the upper surface of large-span structural beams. The width-wise distance between the legs is adjustable so that the legs avoid contact with the shear studs while the carriage traverses the beam. The carriage includes a guide mechanism formed from a pair of opposing guide members moveably mounted on the frame into sliding engagement with opposing portions of the beam to maintain the carriage on a straight path. In operation, a surveying target is mounted on the top of the frame, and the carriage is moved into selected positions at known distance along the length of the structural beam.

Abstract: Braces for bracing objects in structures against forces due to earthquakes are tested by subjecting components of the braces for attaching the braces to the object or structure to cyclic loading of approximately 15 cycles. The cyclic forces are applied to different samples of the components at differing angles, and a load rating is determined for each angle. Prior to cyclic testing, forces are applied monotonically to the components in both tension and compression, the flexible loading direction of the component is determined from the monotonic testing, and the deformation that the component can resist when a load is applied in cycles is estimated from the monotonic testing.

Abstract: A tool temporarily supports a first piece of siding against a structure. The tool is removable after the first piece of siding is at least partially secured to the structure. The tool is then usable to temporarily support a second piece of siding against the structure by temporarily securing the tool to the first piece of siding. The tool includes a longitudinal member with a hook at one end. The hook is used for temporarily securing the tool to the first piece of siding by placing the hook over the top edge of the first piece of siding. The tool includes another longitudinal member for temporarily supporting the second piece of siding. A handle section on the tool facilitates positioning, insertion, and removal of the tool. The tool is also adjustable to control the exposure of a previously installed piece of siding relative the temporarily supported piece of siding.

Abstract: A modular automation apparatus is provided that includes a base unit adapted to receive an automation module. The automation module includes at least one automation device for performing one or more specific automation functions and preferably a selectively programmable memory device for storing automation specific logic rules and/or controlling the specific automation functions. The base unit includes a frame having affixed thereto a control cabinet that houses a programmable logic controller (PLC) for executing the logic rules relayed or stored in the memory device and a power supply capable of powering the base unit and the automation module. When a base unit and an automation module are cooperatively assembled, the combination is capable of performing one or more automation functions specific to the automation module selected.

Abstract: A lift handle for building systems such as door assemblies and window assemblies. The handle comprising a flange and a channel disposed proximate the flange. The flange comprises a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is adapted to be coupled with the frame of the door or window assembly and the channel is adapted to be coupled with a nailing fin of the frame for moving the frame via the nailing fin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively forming metal stud and track members from sheet material, the apparatus including a stud forming assembly capable of transforming the sheet material into a stud member as the material exits the stud forming assembly, and a track forming assembly capable of receiving the stud member as it exists the stud forming assembly and thereafter transforming the stud member into a track member. The track forming assembly is selectively moveable between an operative position wherein the track forming assembly is coupled to the stud forming assembly to receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly, and an inoperative position wherein the track forming assembly is positioned such that it cannot receive the stud member as it exits the stud forming assembly. The apparatus may also include punch and shear mechanisms for performing various operations on the sheet material.

Abstract: A device for holding a work piece over head, wherein the device is employed between a first wall support and a second wall support and the wall support are interconnected to support a ceiling support, which includes a first removable support connector for connecting the device to the first wall support, a first cross member hingedly connected to the first removable support connector at one end and having another end which is elongated and includes an inwardly extending opening thereby forming a female end, a second removable support connector for connecting the device to the second wall support generally opposing the first wall support, and a second cross member connected hingedly connected to the first removable support connector at one end and having another elongated male end which is of a size and configuration to be slidably received within the female end.

Abstract: A tapered plug having a compressible and conically tapered outer surface is permeated with a dry, water-activated adhesive. A pilot hole most preferably passes through the center of the tapered plug, ensuring proper alignment for a replacement fastener such as a wood screw or the like to be inserted therein. A handle is additionally provided for ease of installation. A ream useful in association with the plug and a method of installation of the plug are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for reshaping a butt joint formed by a pair of adjacent butt edges of mounted wallboards. The apparatus has tapering means, which includes a body with a pair of beveled surfaces for contacting and simultaneously tapering the adjacent butt edges. The apparatus also has aligning means, which includes a ridge for aligning the tapering means with the butt joint. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a handle and the tapering means is a rotatable wheel attached to one end of the handle and having the ridge and beveled surfaces on its circumferential edge. In another embodiment, the tapering means is a semicircular disk that is fixedly attached to one end of the handle and has an outer curved portion with the ridge and beveled surfaces thereon.

Abstract: A vertical and horizontal member are designed to encase a portion of an installed doorframe assembly. In particular, the vertical and horizontal member encase a door stop section of a horizontal and vertical door frame section. Channels defined by the members are wider than the pre-existing door stop sections such that the member may be laterally positioned thereover to eliminate any misalignment between a door and a door frame assembly. Once properly positioned, the members are secured to the doorframe assembly thereby eliminating any misalignment between the door and the door frame assembly.

Abstract: An elongated truss boom structure is adapted to be flattened and coiled to a stowed configuration. The truss boom includes longerons, battens, and diagonals A fixed ladder shaped structure is formed by a plurality of fixedly coupled battens which interconnect two adjacent longerons. The truss boom is flattened for stowage by arranging all of the longerons coplanar to the plane of the fixed ladder shaped structure. The longerons preferably have a corrugated cross section. For stowage the longeron is heated and compressed into a ribbon shaped cross section, and upon deployment the longeron is heated to restore its corrugated cross section. A mechanical assembly machine includes a drum, a stowed flattened truss boom rolled into a coil around the drum, a device for unrolling the coil, an actuating and locking mechanism, and a control arm which connects the actuating and locking mechanism to the drum.

Abstract: The present invention provide an apparatus, devices and/or systems for the installation of building material which allows one individual on his own to install building material. The device includes at least one resting surface spaced apart from a fastener.

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating the temporary hanging of at least one object from vinyl or aluminum siding while maintaining the integrity of the siding during and after the use thereof. The system comprises a hanger and a removal tool. The hanger has an upper portion designed to non-destructively be engaged between two rows of siding. The lower portion of the hanger provides the means to support the hanging of at least one object therefrom. The removal tool is designed for non-destructive cooperation with the upper portion of the hanger when the hanger is installed between two rows of vinyl or aluminum siding.