Abstract: An adjustable drywall support apparatus for holding a gypsum wallboard in place as it is being installed at ceiling level. The adjustable drywall support apparatus includes a support assembly including an elongate tubular member and a shaft member being telescopingly disposed in the elongate tubular member; and also includes a cross member assembly including a tubular main cross member being securely attached to the support assembly and being adapted to engage and support a drywall.

Abstract: A construction tool having a reference end with a hanger holder positioned a builders unit from the reference end to enable the construction tool to be used as a marking guide or to carry a joist hanger to enable a user to accurately and quickly position and secure a joist hanger on a cross member.

Abstract: A device for leveling or aligning adjacent prestressed hollowcore concrete planks includes an insert member that is received between the planks at a grout joint. One end of the insert member supports a first alignment member that is received against one side of the planks. The other end of the insert member cooperates with a second alignment member that is received against an opposite side of the planks. An adjustment member adjusts the spacing between the first and second alignment members to provide a desired alignment between the planks.

Abstract: An apparatus which is used for temporarily supporting a fascia board during the installation process and includes at least one adjustable bracket which allows any sized fascia board to be easily mounted at variable angles choice.

Abstract: A tool used to install pickets on the railing of a deck. The railing of a deck comprises two horizontal support members and a plurality of pickets. The device has a rearward surface that is adapted to engage a picket or support post. There are two indicating locations on the tool that correspond to the correct location of a second picket to be installed. Indicating marks are made on a horizontal support member and the second picket is placed in between the indicating marks and attached thereto.

Abstract: A device allowing a sole installer to install overlapping board siding on a wall is described. The device includes an s-shaped hanger having a u-shaped portion and an inverted u-shaped portion sharing a common leg. A handle extends horizontally from the lower portion of said hanger, substantially perpendicular to the common leg. To install the siding, the installer hangs the first board run. Next, the inverted u-shaped portion of the s-shaped hanger is placed over a first board of the first board run and a second board to be installed is fitted within the u-shaped portion of the s-shaped hanger. The installer fastens the far end of the second board using a single fastener so that the second board can pivot about the fastener. The installer returns to the first end and pivots the second board to free the hanger. The installer rotates the hanger so that the common leg fits under the first board and the handle extends upwardly parallel to the side of the wall.

Abstract: A traction pad for maneuvering on a roof includes a base layer, traction layer, at least two traction cross members, and two end members. A bottom side of the base layer contacts the roof and the traction layer is attached to a top side of the base layer. The at least two traction cross members are attached to a top side of the traction layer along a length thereof. The two end members are attached to a top side of the traction layer, adjacent the ends of the at least two traction cross members. A pair of lifting handles are preferably attached to a top side of the two end members. The top side of the traction layer is preferably painted with a paint having sand dissolved therein.

Abstract: A floor board installation device comprises a cross bar, a wedge and two pins extending outwardly from the top and bottom sides of, and through, the cross bar. The wedge comprises a top curved edge and a bottom edge including a groove therein. The pins typically are spaced from one another a distance slightly larger than the width of a joist. In use, the cross bar is placed on top of two adjoining joists so that the pins are positioned on either side of a single joist. The other end of the bar merely rests on top of the adjacent joist. A force is then applied to a side edge of the wedge in a direction parallel to the length of the sub floor boards. Due to the rounded shape of the top curved edge and the flat surface of the wedge that contacts the floor board, the wedge will rotate within the cross bar so that the edge of the wedge is flush against the sub floor board and so that the curved surface of the wedge will contact the cross bar at only one point.

Abstract: An auxiliary tool for filling of an organic and/or inorganic mortar mass in a bore (B) and cooperating with an injection tool (D) connectable with a delivery tube (E) or a delivery hose, with the auxiliary tool (1, 6, 12) including a filling member (2; 7; 13) having an axial through-bore (3; 9; 17) through which the mortar mass (M) is injected into the bore (B), and an outer diameter selected so that a back flow of the mortar mass (M) in a direction toward a bore mouth is prevented, and an element for pinning the filling member (2; 7; 13) on a free end of the delivery tube (E) or the delivery hose.

Abstract: A containment apparatus for removal of a window/window frame from within the wall of a building. The containment apparatus has a rigid member with a peripheral gasket. An adjustable supporting member, which is connected to the rigid member, extends angularly to the ceiling above the rigid member. The bottom end of the rigid member is braced to secure the rigid member in place.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of concrete blocks (2) or concrete slabs of various forms and sizes, fabrication taking place on the basis of vibrational compaction in concrete-filled molds or dies, the block surface or slab surface of the concrete blocks or concrete slabs being subjected to at least one post-forming treatment and subsequent curing. The post-forming treatment includes gentle contact of the surfaces of the concrete blocks or concrete slabs with soft materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and installing a curved ceiling support system and associated panels. The invention includes a ceiling support system, a ceiling panel, and a clip or fastener that holds the ceiling panel to the ceiling support system. The ceiling panel may include an upstand taking one of two basic shapes: a C-shaped upstand or a Z-shaped upstand. The C-shaped upstand has an inwardly directed flange while the Z-shaped upstand has an outwardly directed flange. Further, the edges perpendicular to the upstand may be extruded or shaped in three dimensions. Panel locks couple the ceiling panel to a curved support member suspended from the ceiling. Once inserted, the ceiling panel conforms to the curve of the support member. An installation tool aids in fitting the ceiling panel to a support beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for supporting and holding a building panel during installation onto an overhead building structure. The apparatus comprises a bar member for supporting at least a portion of such building panel. The bar member has an elongated portion to be disposed substantially parallel to such overhead building structure when secured to at least one of such overhead building structure and a building wall in a working position, the elongated portion has each of a predetermined length and a predetermined shape. There is an arcuately shaped portion connected to the elongated portion of the bar member adjacent a first end thereof and at least one means disposed adjacent a second end of the elongated portion of the bar member for anchoring the apparatus to such overhead building structure and such building wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transformable linked structure, a deployable diagonal structure, a plane stowage-type deployable truss and a line stowage-type deployable truss with high rigidity and reliability constituted by the above-described transformable linked structure and the above-described deployable diagonal structure, and also provides a plane/line stowage truss structure extremely approximated to a spherical surface using the two types of deployable trusses. The present invention discloses a module linked structure for linking deployable trusses securely and a holding/releasing mechanism for realizing reliable holding and release. Further, the present invention provides a modular deployable antenna with high precision even if it is large-sized which is realized by spreading mesh on the plane/line stowage truss structure.

Abstract: A temporary support device for installing sheet material in a building construction is provided with a multitude of perpendicular surfaces and a pair of offset surfaces for temporarily supporting a variety of sheet materials in a variety of orientations. Countersunk through holes integral to the support device accept standard screw hardware for temporarily mounting the support device to the building substructure. The pair of offset surfaces provide clearance for loosely supporting the sheet material before final securement of the sheet to the building substructure. The support device may be manufactured out of lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, wood, or plastic, and may include cored out sections, thereby enhancing the utility and handling of the device. Materials that can be temporarily supported by the support device include, but are not limited to, sheetrock, insulation board, plywood, and particle board.

Abstract: A securing assembly applies an elongated member to a flexible construction material, such as roofing felt or insulation, and holds the elongated member to the construction material in place on a building with a fastener, by feeding the elongated member through a fastening device under the fastener or series of fasteners dispensed therefrom, and applied thereover at spaced intervals.

Abstract: A retention barrier system comprises a flexible laminate of a thin paper sheet and thin aluminum sheet in a rectangular configuration. The laminate has a leading edge and a parallel trailing edge and side edges between the leading and trailing edges. A plurality of flexible rods are positioned across, and coupled to, the laminate from side edge to side edge and spaced from each other along the length of the laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slot-forming tool for forming a number of consistently sized and shaped slots in a channel of a wall frame. Each slot aligns and slidingly supports a vertical stud that is snap-fit in place during an intermediate stage of constructing a wall. The tool has an arm for aligning the tool against the channel and a pivotally connected arm that is stroked to form the slot in the channel. Each arm has a gripping portion, an intermediate connecting portion and a working portion. The working portion of the alignment arm includes a cutting block with a face and two spaced sidewalls that form a pair of cutting edges. The working portion of the pivoting arm includes a pair of spaced knives. Each knife has a ramp or wedge shaped blade with a cutting edge that is aligned to shearingly engage one of the cutting edges of the cutting block and slide down the sidewall of the cutting block a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Architectural units having radiused wall corners are constructed with solid surfacing material (SSM) such as Corian. Cove moldings are formed from SSM sheet strips comprising an elongated cove form flanked by elongated rabbet channels. In a table jig, an SSM wall sheet edge is adhesively secured into one of the cove molding rabbet channels. The cove mold and wall sheet unit is secured to the desired architectural wall with the other cove molding rabbet channel mated to an SSM wall sheet edge respective to an adjacent architectural wall. Clamping blocks secured to respective wall sheet and cove mold surfaces by hot melt adhesive are drawn together along the correct vector to adhesively bond each wall sheet edge into a respective rabbet channel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and kit for dustless repair of a damaged wallboard. The apparatus having an insertion rod which engages a patching element and an insertion brace for inserting the patching element and insertion brace through a hole in the wallboard and adhering the patching element to an inner surface of the wallboard. A dustless method is then provided for patching the hole without producing any environmentally harmful dust. The kit includes all necessary materials for repairing a hole in the wallboard using the dustless method according to this invention.

Abstract: A screw-type, in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above-ground upright. A generally cylindrical drive shaft includes an upper cylindrical housing portion constructed of ¼-inch rolled steel with an inside diameter sized to match the outside diameter of the upright. A conical portion connects the upper housing portion to a lower tip portion. The surface of the conical portion has a slope of less than 20 degrees, and preferably in the range of 5-10 degrees. A set of screw threads (flightings) are attached to the tip portion and have a diameter that is approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the upper housing portion. The flightings operate in soil to screw the anchor device into the ground when the device is rotated. The conical portion outwardly compresses the soil that is disrupted in the wake of the flightings. Since the flightings have a diameter approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the upper housing portion, soil surrounding the drive shaft is not disrupted.

Abstract: In order to be able to shift a leader (18), which is disposed on a travelling chassis (10) via a carrying mechanism (16), both towards the front and also towards the rear into a substantially horizontal position, the carrying mechanism (16) has at least one guide arm (24) which is adjustable in length and which comprises a double-acting hydraulic working cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a crimping machine capable of forming an improved building panel that includes notched inclined side walls. The crimping machine imparts a unique design of notched inclined side walls. The crimping machine incorporates two sets of male and female crimping roller, wherein each set of crimping rollers imparts a notch in one of the inclined side walls. The crimping machine also includes a gap adjustment mechanism for simultaneously adjusting the distance between both sets of male and female crimping rollers.

Abstract: A carriage having a base frame supported on rolling elements, and an upper frame tiltably supported on the base frame for leveling the upper frame when the base frame is inclined from side-to-side. The upper frame supports at least three rolls of insulation. The carriage is supported on the framework of a building roof and moves along a building wall for dispensing vertical lengths of insulation which are secured to the wall.

Abstract: A method for the fabrication of concrete blocks (2) or concrete slabs of various forms and sizes, fabrication taking place on the basis of vibrational compaction in concrete-filled molds or dies, the block surface or slab surface of the concrete blocks or concrete slabs being subjected to at least one post-forming treatment and subsequent curing. The post-forming treatment includes gentle contact of the surfaces of the concrete blocks or concrete slabs with soft materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing soffit segments below the eaves of a building. A main body with a standoff is temporarily fastened to the sub-fascia. A swing arm and a locking arm are pivotally connected to each other and also to the main body, except that a J-shaped slot in the locking arm permits the locking arm to translate, as well as pivot, with respect to the main body. A segment of soffit material is placed upon the swing arm, and the swing arm is rotated about the pivot joint on the main body creating a lever action to lift the soffit material into a horizontal position immediately below the eave. The locking arm slot is notched to lock the locking arm and swing arm, into a fixed position. The apparatus thereby steadily maintains the soffit segment in position pending its permanent attachment to the underside of the eave. The apparatus is temporarily attached to the structure via a clamp arm or via screw into the sub-fascia.

Abstract: A device for setting studs includes a rigid face plate that has a fixed length and includes a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite side edges; a rigid bar member extending from the face plate lower surface so as to have a rear surface perpendicular to the face plate lower surface. The face plate has first and second square inside corners formed in its rear edge for squarely aligning and setting studs a desired distance apart between centers and restricting movement thereof during fastening to a sill plate or similar structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing floor boards, the apparatus comprising a first plate including a first edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a first floor board, and a compression biasing device such as a coil spring or bungee cord mounted on the first plate. A second plate includes a second edge gripping device for gripping an edge of a second floor board, and a strap clamp. A compression strap is joined at its proximal end with the biasing device and extends, in parallel juxtaposition to the first and second floor boards, for terminating, and removably engaging the strap clamp, such that the biasing device causes the first and second plates to draw the first and second floor boards, as well as any intermediate boards, into compression.

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

Abstract: An improvement to a corner-box drywall taping tool. It uses a housing similar to the existing tools. This housing has a quick release spring-loaded one-way valve attached to the mud area of the tool. One a roll of tape is installed; the unit is attached to a mud pump by the quick release fitting. A pump then fills the housing with mud in about 20 seconds. To prevent the case from opening under the pressure of the pump, additional latches are required to seal the housing. When the mud is exhausted with this device, the operator returns to the mud pump, attaches the fitting to the pump and in another 20 seconds is ready to go. This process can be repeated until the tape supply is exhausted. In this way, the device saves a lot of time during the filling process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finishing device for floors made of hardenable material which comprises a frame, at least one rotating tool (2) connected thereto and provided with at least two arms (12) upon each of which a blade (13) is fixed, and a driving mechanism, provided on the frame, for driving the tool (2). The blade (13) is fixed to an arm (12) of the tool (2) by means of a connection (14) with at least two parts (23,24) which can be adjusted in respect to each other in the longitudinal direction of the arm (12), the first part (23) of which is mounted on the blade (13) and the second part (24) is connected to the arm (12) by means of connecting means (25, 33-34) and can be fixedly clamped onto this first part (23).

Abstract: Provided is a plumbing device for plumbing and connection of a long member, at the time of installation vertically of the long member on an upper end of a lower member, which is used for plumbing the installed long member to connect with the lower member.

Abstract: A small, hand-held tool enables rapid and repetitive placement of window and door casing. The tool is formed from three distinctive, generally rectangular layers. The center, sandwiched layer extends beyond the outer two layers by an amount equal to the desired offset or reveal of the casing. An extension protrudes diagonally from one side of the center layer and forms a one hundred and thirty-five degree angle with an adjacent side. This extension enables the tool holder to accurately place the corners of each casing strip, after the strips have been cut at the normal diagonal forty-five degree angle. A hole through the center of each of the layers provides for easy and solid grasping and manipulation. Scribe marks may also be provided, to more readily assist the tool user to mark, measure or visually discriminate various distances and geometries. Additional alternative features are further described in the disclosure.

Abstract: A method of forming an insulated ceiling includes attaching an insulated panel to the lower flange of the purlins to form an insulatable space between the panel, the purlins, and the exterior skin of a building. The space is then filled with insulation material. An insulation delivery system can be utilized for the filling process, especially when loose-fill insulation is used. The delivery system includes a blower connected to a source of blowable insulating material, and a special manifold connected to the blower and adapted to deliver the material into the space. The manifold has a manifold plate that is slidingly insertable in the space. The manifold plate includes a peripheral seal and at least one air hole therethrough so that air can escape the space while the insulation is being blown in. The manifold allows the space to be filled with insulating material to a desired density or R-value.

Abstract: A shingle roofing and removing system for easily removing the shingles from a roof when needed. The shingle roofing and removing system includes sheeting material adapted to be securely attached upon a roof from a bottom edge to a top thereof and being adapted to be disposed beneath shingles which are securely attached to the sheeting material; and also includes a sheeting material removal assembly for removing the sheeting material along with the shingles from the roof.

Abstract: A traction pad for maneuvering on a roof includes a base layer, traction layer, at least two traction cross members, and two end members. A bottom side of the base layer contacts the roof and the traction layer is attached to a top side of the base layer. The at least two traction cross members are attached to a top side of the traction layer along a length thereof. The two end members are attached to a top side of the traction layer, adjacent the ends of the at least two traction cross members. A pair of lifting handles are preferably attached to a top side of the two end members. The top side of the traction layer is preferably painted with a paint having sand dissolved therein.

Abstract: For use in securing a concrete form board, the form pin of the invention includes a clip having first portion substantially in the shape of a cylinder to be forced onto one end of a steel bar driven into sand, shale or clay and of an inside diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the bar, along with a tab portion having a plurality of spaced apertures extending through opposing planar surfaces to receive nails or screws to be removably secured to the concrete form board, and with the tab portion extending outwardly of the cylindrical portion a distance to allow manual grasping thereof in freeing the steel bar from the ground. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steel bar consists of a rebar having a plurality of rims circumscribing its outer surface, in cooperating with the cylindrical portion of the clip in limiting spinning, or otherwise movement of the clip once forced upon the rebar for use, especially when the clip is constructed of a deformable plastic.

Abstract: Method for erecting an emergency mast (1) for a power line comprising mast elements placed one on top of another, comprising the following steps: arranging a guide device (19) at the location where the emergency mast has to be placed; arranging a first mast element (5) adjacently of the guide device; raising the first mast element by means of the guide device to a height such that a following mast element can be placed under the first mast element; placing a following mast element under the first mast element and connecting the following mast element to the mast element situated thereabove; raising the thus obtained combination by means of the guide device to a height such that a following element can be placed under the combination; repeating the latter two steps until the mast has reached the required height; and removing the guide device.

Abstract: A support system of brackets and rods designed to be removably attached to a building stud. Used in pairs, the system can hold sheets of building material within the holing bracket and supported by a back rod so that the builder has the materials within easy view and reach and can replace partial sheets with the brackets.

Abstract: A mobile cement laying machine for delivering concrete via tracks to areas which are difficult to access by truck. The mobile cement laying machine includes a carriage with a front end and a back end. A hopper is mounted to an upper side of the carriage toward the front end of the carriage. The hopper has an open top and a slot providing a lower opening into the hopper for dispensing cement from the hopper. A gate substantially closes the slot of the hopper. A pair of first rail wheels are coupled to the carriage towards the front end of the carriage. A pair of second rail wheels are coupled to the carriage towards the back end of the carriage.

Abstract: A method for containing debris around a cut out area uses a telescoping pole which is received within a base at one end and has a resilient receptacle attached to the other end. The base is positioned underneath the cut out area and the telescoping pole is raised until the outer periphery of the receptacle abuts the ceiling and encompasses the cut out area. The cut out procedure is performed with the receptacle capturing the debris created during the cut out procedure. A locking mechanism holds the telescoping pole in its extended position.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for anchoring tensioning members in a concrete structure and the like wherein there is provided a wedge support member having wedge-receiving pockets coaxially aligned with the anchor seats in an anchorage block permitting the anchorage wedges to first be inserted into the pockets not allowing the tensioning members to slip during tensioning. This method is used in post-tensioning of monostrand cable. The apparatus anchors the tensioning members by installing wedges into their respective wedge seats. A magnetic tip is utilized to hold the wedges in place while a slide hammer provides and transmits the energy to forcibly insert the wedges.

Abstract: The invention provides an easy to use and inexpensive to manufacture facia board rack for temporarily holding a facia board in position for attachment to a building. The rack is a single member formed in such a way that it may be mounted to the side of a building to provide a ledge which projects therefrom upon which a facia board may be supported during the installation of the facia board. An optional riser member may be used with the rack to adjust the depth of a channel in the rack. The holder may be used either before or after the roof deck of the building is installed.

Abstract: A partition clamping device for holding partitions, such as cubical partition walls, in place with one another when assembling the partitions during installation. The partition clamping device includes first and second clamp members each comprising a cross brace and a spaced apart first and second side braces coupled to the cross brace. A threaded rod is threadingly extended through a first of the side braces towards the second side brace. A plate is coupled to an inner end of the threaded rod. The cross braces of the clamp members each have a bore therethrough through which an elongate pole is extended.

Abstract: A kit for preventing the movement of door frames during the time that brick and mortar are being erected around the frames. As one element of the kit, there is at least one block which fits between the door jambs to prevent inward or outward bowing of the jambs. The blocks contain peripheral holes which contain protective clips. The blocks may be tied in place at the desired location by passing a tie through the appropriate holes and around the doorjamb. A second element of the kit is at least one supporting brace which prevents movement of the door frame away from the vertical plane of the frame. The brace contains connecting holes at each end and, preferably, is made of telescopic tubing for ease in adjustment of length. The lower portion of the brace rotatably connects to a support. The upper end of the brace rotatably connects to a two-piece holder which removably attaches to a door jamb.

Abstract: A method for installing tongue-and-groove material comprises the steps of: a) placing a piece of tongue-and-groove material on an installation surface adjacent to a previously installed piece of tongue-and-groove material and/or a border member; b) pivotably securing a lever having a thrust portion and a lever end to the installation surface so that rotating the lever urges the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; c) rotating the lever, thereby urging the piece of tongue-and-groove material against the previously installed piece and/or the border member; d) securing the piece of tongue-and-groove material to the previously installed piece, the border member, and/or the installation surface; and e) removing the lever from the installation surface.

Abstract: An injection packer, injection packer installation/removal tool, and method of use thereof are especially suited for use in the repair of concrete structures and the like. The injection packer includes a body that is removable from a nonmetallic expansion member that may remain within a repair bore after the injection material is injected into the repair bore. The packer body includes a shank, nozzle, and keyed head with an injection bore therethrough. The nozzle is threaded to engage a nonmetallic nut attached to the expansion member. In use, as the packer body is rotated in a first direction the expansion member is compressed between the nut and the packer body shank, thereby radially bulging the expansion member. At this point fluid may be injected through the injection packer and into the bore and crack(s). As the packer body is rotated in a second direction the expansion member is uncompressed. The packer body is easily detachable from the expansion member.

Abstract: A vibrating screed with rollers for use in leveling a concrete pour. The screed comprises an elongate screed member defining opposed first and second ends and extensible between a pair of screed rails. A first and second roller are rotatably mounted to the screed member and protrude from respective ones of the first and second ends thereof. The rollers are rotatably movable along respective ones of the first and second screed rails. The screed additionally may comprise a motor to rotate the rollers and/or vibrate the screed member.

Abstract: An alignment and spacer apparatus includes an elongated body member that extends longitudinally along and laterally from a longitudinal axis. The elongated body member has an arcuate surface and a flat surface facing opposite the arcuate surface. The arcuate surface curves about the longitudinal axis and has a longitudinally extending crown. Further, the body member includes at least one stop tab that projects from the arcuate surface to define a stop tab surface. The stop tab surface extends laterally and perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axis and at least a portion of the stop tab surface protrudes above the crown. Also described is a siding panel installation system for installing siding panels on a support structure which includes a plurality of elongated body members. Each body member includes a sequence of stop tabs that are spaced equidistantly apart from one another and project from the arcuate surface.

Abstract: Notches are cut in a “Z”-section closure to be installed across seams on a standing seam metal roof by means of a tool which punches holes in the central web of the closure. The lower flange of the closure is subsequently cut manually to finish the notch. The tool's die surfaces correspond in shape to that of the closure, and the punch and die are aligned so that the elongate hole they make in the central web extends to the bottom of the web.