Abstract: A storm protection system for a window or door unit located in a wall opening and having an outer frame, the system including at least one protective panel fit within the outer frame and wall opening, at least one pair of brackets connected to the outer frame at opposing sides of the wall opening and spaced from the front surface of the panel a first distance, at least one force distribution body with at least one alignment structure on the front surface and spaced from the rear surface a second distance that is greater than the first distance, at least one elongated flexible restraint extending between and connected to the at least two brackets is received by the alignment structure and when tensioned forces the at least one force distribution body against the at least one panel which forces the at least one panel against the window or door unit.

Abstract: A device for suspension of a suspended ceiling, comprising an elongated suspension member (3) having a first end (10) and an opposing second end (11), an anchoring head (4) being arranged at the first end (10); a housing (2) having an open top side (5) and an opposed, closed bottom side (6), the (2) housing defining a housing cavity (7) adapted to be filled with an adhesive (16); and a suspension member holder (8). A passage (9) is provided extending through the closed bottom side (6) of the housing (2), wherein the elongated suspension member (3) in an assembled state of the device extends through the passage (9) with the first end (10) positioned inside the housing cavity (7) and the second end (11) positioned outside the housing cavity (7) and wherein the suspension member holder (8) in the assembled state of the device positions the first end (10) and the thereto arranged anchoring head (4) of the suspension member (3) at a distance H1 from the closed bottom side (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a lateral portion of a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground member for being received on a ground surface and a joist bracket attached to at least one joist in a lateral portion of the manufactured building. A pivotably attached joist tube disposed in a first position between the ground member and the joist bracket is longitudinally movable to a second position for bearing forcibly therebetween and thereby supporting the lateral portion of the manufactured building. A method of supporting a lateral portion of a manufactured building having a support beam is disclosed.

Abstract: In a system for stabilizing a wall, especially a masonry wall (10), movement away from the wall of a rigid member (30) is prevented by a thrust rod (70) that is anchored to joists associated with the wall. The thrust rod acts on an unsecured upper end (32) of the rigid member and is adjustably received in a thrust bracket (60) affixed directly or indirectly to the joists. A warning collar (80) placed on the upper end is retained in place by the thrust rod, which normally bears against the upper end through an aperture in the warning collar. If the upper end retreats away from the thrust rod towards the wall by more than a predetermined distance, the warning collar slides down the rigid member, triggering a signal means (90).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the protection of living beings and objects from being buried in bulk material, a method for assembling said device and uses employing this device.

Abstract: In a system for stabilizing a wall, especially a masonry wall (10), movement away from the wall of a rigid member (30) is prevented by a thrust rod (70) that is anchored to joists associated with the wall. The thrust rod acts on an unsecured upper end (32) of the rigid member and is adjustably received in a thrust bracket (60) affixed directly or indirectly to the joists. A warning collar (80) placed on the upper end is retained in place by the thrust rod, which normally bears against the upper end through an aperture in the warning collar. If the upper end retreats away from the thrust rod towards the wall by more than a predetermined distance, the warning collar slides down the rigid member, triggering a signal means (90).

Abstract: A ratcheting take-up device that compensates for imperfect alignment in a tie rod continuity system in the frame of a building wall. The upper ends of the tie rods are tightly clamped within the take-up device by domed segments inserted in a bowl-shaped housing. The segments are also forced together by a compression member in the housing. The domed shape of the segments and the bowl shape of the housing cooperate so that the segments can rotate in any direction to accommodate tie rods that are not perfectly vertical, without a corresponding loss of strength in the connection.

Abstract: A panel frame for suspended ceiling, at least one side of this frame having, when seen in section, a top wall and a side wall. The top wall is provided with a fitted flat section, this flat section having at least two through-holes for the passage of an assembly mechanism such as screws, one of the through-holes being ovalized or oblong.

Abstract: A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and has an external surface, and a reinforcement attachment made of a metallic material having an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface. The attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate, and has first portions and second portions. At least one of the surfaces of a first portion of the attachment is pre-treated and attached to the substrate such that when the construction structure is under loading the first portion(s) block(s) or reduce(s) spreading of strain sustained by the attachment along the attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of reinforcement from substrate.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for stiffening and strengthening a door, said system comprising a plurality of stoppers each having a channel, wherein said stoppers are affixed to the door; and at least one stiffening rod seated within the channels of said stoppers; and means for shortening the span of said stiffening rod disposed between said stoppers; whereby shortening the span results in straightening the door.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for a lateral buckling stress installed on an angle-type steel member so as to be attachable and detachable therefrom without power-off of a power line tower, preparation and disassembly of members in order to prevent lateral buckling and accidental torsion. The reinforcement device includes an accommodation unit for surrounding a steel member, first and second cover units connected to the accommodation unit and formed to cover the steel member, and a fixation member for fixing the first and second cover units.

Abstract: A force transmitting connection element having an insulation body limited by two oppositely located support surfaces which are at a distance corresponding to a height H of the force transmitting connection. A first support surface faces a first cast structural component part and has a length L1 and a width B1. A second support surface limiting the insulation body faces a second cast structural component part and has a length L2 and a width B2. A longitudinal center axis runs through a center of the insulation body. A element penetrates the insulation body. An element for transmitting transverse force projects beyond the compressive force transmitting connection element in direction of the first cast structural component part and a ratio between transmissible compressive force and transmissible transverse force is between 1.5:1 and 15:1 and a distance LK is less than (B1+B2)/6.

Abstract: An assembly for straightening a basement's wall, the basement having a floor and being covered by joists which are spaced from each other on center distances to define interstitial cavities and are arranged a perpendicular array or a parallel array, the assembly having mounting plate; joist mounting fasteners attaching the oblongated mounting plate to joists, the fasteners, upon the perpendicular joist array, positioning the mounting plate within an interstitial cavity, and the fasteners, upon the parallel array, bridging the mounting plate across an interstitial cavity; a rigid beam having upper and lower ends; a jack screw for driving the rigid beam's upper end toward the basement's wall; and an anchor bracket for resisting movement of the rigid beam's lower end away from the basement's wall.

Abstract: A reinforcement device for compression buckling strength and a method of fastening the same are disclosed. The reinforcement device includes a member seating body surrounding an angle-type steel-frame member, first and second securing couplers securing opposite ends of the angle-type steel-frame member and opposite ends of the member seating body and adjustable to meet a standard of the angle-type steel-frame member, a horizontal engaging element connecting the first and second securing couplers with each other, a supporter positioned in a space where the angle-type steel-frame to member forms a right angle and supporting the angle-type steel-frame member, and a reinforcing bar connecting the supporter and the horizontal engaging element.

Abstract: A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a space and includes a flexible panel maintained in a flexed configuration. The decorative structure includes a cable that supports the flexible panel and that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel to maintain the panel in a flexed configuration. A method of configuring a decorative structure with a flexed panel is also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A security screen comprising a frame having an outer edge which defines the outer perimeter of the frame and further having an inner edge (12) which surrounds an open portion of the frame, the outer edge of the frame being dimensioned such that in use the security screen is receivable across an opening to close the opening, a perforate sheet element (29) received in the open portion of the frame to close the open portion, the edge of the perforate sheet element being formed with a lip (31) extending from one face of the perforate sheet element, the inner edge of the frame formed with a recess (13) having an entry extending across at least a portion of the width of the inner edge, the recess extending along the inner edge, the recess having two opposed side faces (15, 16) extending from the inner edge, one side face (16) of the recess having a zone (23) located inward of the inner edge and extending laterally from the recess, the edge of the perforate sheet element received within the recess such that the lip

Abstract: A panel structure including a flexible panel, at least one edge strip and mounting hardware is provided. Also provided is a method of configuring the panel structure. The edge strip has at least one mounting member receiving area provided thereon. The mounting member receiving area is dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware therein. The mounting hardware cooperates with the edge strip to suspend and mount the flexible panel. When installed, the panel structure provides a canopy-like visual element to a space in which it is suspended or mounted. The panel structure may be suspended or mounted in various configurations having different degrees of flex or curvature. The panel structure can be installed easily and reconfigured easily to suit the user.

Abstract: A tension connection for a building includes a first tension member, the first tension member being anchored at its distal end, a second tension member being anchored at its distal end; the first and second tension members being disposed in close proximity and connected by a coupler having a surrounding sleeve and a central bore with a thread, the coupler also being formed with a first rotational member being received in the central bore of the surrounding sleeve and operatively connected to the surrounding sleeve; the first rotational member is connected to the surrounding sleeve, such that the rotational member can rotate in relation to the surrounding sleeve. A torsion spring connects the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve; the torsion spring biasing the first rotational member and the surrounding sleeve in opposite rotational directions such that the first rotational member can be drawn into the surrounding sleeve.

Abstract: A sliding door arrangement includes a plurality of door units; at least one upright post connecting adjacent door units; a lower beam located at the bottom of and connected with the upright post; and a plurality of cross rod assemblies disposed at one side or both sides of the door units respectively to adjust the tightness of the sliding door arrangement. The sliding door arrangement of the present invention can be packaged and transported in separate parts and then quickly and conveniently assembled on site. In addition, the sliding door arrangement of the present invention is perfectly integral and decorative and provides sufficient strength.

Abstract: A prefabricated shearwall including a central diaphragm having a height generally defined by top and bottom edges, and a width generally defined by a pair of end sections. The diaphragm further includes at least one corrugation extending in the height direction at least partially between the top and bottom edges. The corrugation increases the ductility and ability of the shearwall to withstand lateral forces such as those generated in earthquakes, high winds, floods and snow loads.

Abstract: A fabric covered rigid frame structure having at least three elongate rafters; at least one column supporting the rafters; a fabric cover; a cord system or a web system encircling the fabric cover; and at least one tensioner formed in an end of at least one elongate rafter, wherein the tensioner includes an opening formed in an end of the elongate rafter along the axis of the rafter; a first fitting disposed between the opening and an end of the elongate rafter; a rod disposed in the elongate rafter along an axis of the rafter through the first fitting, wherein the rod comprises threads that are exposed to at least a portion of the opening; means for engaging the rod through the first fitting; and a sliding block with hook disposed on the threads of the rod interior of the elongate rafter wherein the hook engages the fabric cover.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

Abstract: A concrete material, particularly for concrete compression elements transmitting compressive forces, to be used in a structural element as the thermal insulation in structural engineering, made of a high-strength concrete in the strength class C55 or higher, with the concrete being embodied as a thermally insulating, load-bearing material including titanium minerals as additives. Additionally, a structural element for thermal insulation and a brick-shaped thermally insulating element, each using said concrete material, are provided.

Abstract: A wall strap tensioner for tensioning a wall strap of a metal wall. The wall strap tensioner includes first and second links pivotally connected together. A fastener is secured to each of the first and second links for engaging and fastening to the wall strap. Disposed about the opposite end of the tensioner is a flexible cable adapted to be secured to a portion of the metal wall. A connector connects to the flexible cable and a handle is pivotally connected to the connector and movable between first and second positions. Once the handle assumes the second position, the metal strap is tensioned and can be fastened to an appropriate area of the metal wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing a masonry wall that is bowing or has begun to buckle as a result of hydrostatic pressure and/or other forces as may occur with the foundation or basement wall of a building. The wall restraint system includes a vertically disposed beam, which is positioned against a vertical concrete masonry wall and secured in place by a bottom bracket and a top bracket. The beam reinforces the wall and prevents further bowing, buckling, or potentially collapsing of the wall. One end of the beam is secured to the floor by a bottom bracket. The bottom bracket preferably receives the lower end of the beam. The upper end of the beam is secured against the basement wall by a top bracket or offset connector, which in turn is secured to one of the overhead floor joists. The beam may be offset to avoid piping or the like.

Abstract: A wall support and reinforcing apparatus that applies a constant force on a structural support member, such as a steel I-beam, that is adjacent the wall. The apparatus includes a bias that is interposed between the building, or a bracket mounted to the building, and the structural member. Thus, the bias force is applied to straighten the wall at all times, thereby having the straightening effect and keeping the structural member from being displaced laterally due to complete release of all forces to the structural member.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system for stiffening and strengthening a door, said system comprising a plurality of stoppers each having a channel, wherein said stoppers are affixed to the door; and at least one stiffening rod seated within the channels of said stoppers; and means for shortening the span of said stiffening rod disposed between said stoppers; whereby shortening the span results in straightening the door.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for a deck system has a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of connection locations on a periphery of the pedestals and at least one stabilizing member secured g between the pedestals. Each of the pedestals supports corner portions of adjacent blocks, pavers or panels a spaced distance above an underlying structure extending generally parallel to the blocks, pavers or panels. The plurality of connection locations on a periphery of the pedestals are located both proximate the supported corner portions and proximate the underlying structure. At least one stabilizing member in the form of a stabilizing bar, elongate wires, wire rope, cable or rods is secured to and extends between the connection locations of at least two of the pedestals.

Abstract: A fabric covered rigid frame structure having at least three elongate rafters; at least one column supporting the rafters; a fabric cover; a cord system or a web system encircling the fabric cover; and at least one tensioner formed in an end of at least one elongate rafter, wherein the tensioner includes an opening formed in an end of the elongate rafter along the axis of the rafter; a first fitting disposed between the opening and an end of the elongate rafter; a rod disposed in the elongate rafter along an axis of the rafter through the first fitting, wherein the rod comprises threads that are exposed to at least a portion of the opening; means for engaging the rod through the first fitting; and a sliding block with hook disposed on the threads of the rod interior of the elongate rafter wherein the hook engages the fabric cover.

Abstract: A shrinkage-compensated concrete slab is formed with no reinforcing structural bars therein, but with plates around its periphery so as to restrain expansive and shrinkage forces. The plates can be made of steel and welded together at their ends, and can include studs extending inwardly from inner surfaces thereof for attachment to the slab.

Abstract: A reinforcement system for a wall includes a bracket secured to a support disposed above the wall with a plurality of fasteners. A strap is engaged with the bracket and is adhered to the wall for reinforcing the wall.

Abstract: Methods are provided for predicting warp of a wood product given its differential characteristics, such as, for example, curvature. The methods may involve measuring at least one original warp profile for each of one or more first wood products; measuring one or more inputs on the one or more first wood products; converting the warp profile, for each of the one or more first wood products, into a differential characteristic profile; developing a prediction algorithm based on the one or more inputs and the differential characteristic profile; measuring one or more inputs of the given wood product; inputting the one or more inputs of the given wood product into the prediction algorithm; and determining a differential characteristic profile for the given wood product based on the prediction algorithm.

Abstract: A panel structure including a flexible panel, at least one edge strip and mounting hardware is provided. Also provided is a method of configuring the panel structure. The edge strip has at least one mounting member receiving area provided thereon. The mounting member receiving area is dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware therein. The mounting hardware cooperates with the edge strip to suspend and mount the flexible panel. When installed, the panel structure provides a canopy-like visual element to a space in which it is suspended or mounted. The panel structure may be suspended or mounted in various configurations having different degrees of flex or curvature. The panel structure can be installed easily and reconfigured easily to suit the user.

Abstract: A wooden member support retrofit system includes a wooden member support having a support base and a wooden member supported by the wooden member. The system also includes a shim disposed in a space formed between the base and the wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. A process of retrofitting a wooden member support system includes measuring a space formed between a base of a wooden member support and a wooden member due to relative movement of the base and the wooden member over time. The system includes selecting a shim and placing the shim in the space formed between the base and the wooden member.

Abstract: A floor squeak eliminator and floor joist stiffening apparatus, comprising a longitudinal member for extending along a length of a joist, fasteners for attaching each end of the longitudinal member to the joist, and mechanism for pre-tensioning the longitudinal member, the pre-tensioning perpendicular to a length of the longitudinal member and the joist, whereby the joist is pre-tensioned.

Abstract: A cross tie bracket that is attachable to a rod and a building structural element. The cross tie bracket has a generally cylindrical body sized to receive the rod and a gusset disposed between the body and a base. The base has a series of apertures formed therein for inserting fasteners through the base into the building structural element, temporarily securing the cross tie bracket to the building structural element with screws, and for providing alignment of a temporary drill guide with the base. A first and second end plate are disposed adjacent to each respective end of the cylindrical body. Each of the end plates has a rod aperture sized to receive the rod. Accordingly, by inserting and securing the rod to the end plates, it is possible to attach the rod to the building structural element.

Abstract: A one-piece connecting member is provided that bridges or spans a beam disposed between two aligned structural members. A tunnel is formed in the beam to receive a connecting member. The connecting member attaches directly to both of the opposed structural members by means of heavy fasteners without the need of intermediary brackets. The connecting member is formed to provide both compressive and tensile resistance, and can be formed from tube steel.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete girder having an adjustable load bearing capacity includes a concrete girder including an upper flange, and at least one non-attached steel wire installed in the upper flange of the girder and extending in a lengthwise direction of the girder. A method of adjusting a load bearing capacity of a bridge using a prestressed concrete girder having an adjustable load bearing capacity including non-attached steel wires capable of being cut at an upper flange is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system and method of this invention uses brackets which are secured around a telephone, utility or like pole. An upper bracket is clamped around the upper region of the pole. A lower bracket is clamped around the lower region and an intermediate bracket is clamped at the proximate mid-point of the pole. A cable is secured to the upper and lower brackets and passes around a pulley located at the intermediate bracket. The cable is placed in tension between the upper and lower brackets. A turnbuckle attached to the cable is moved to increase the cable tension, causing a righting movement at the upper end of the deformed/bent pole, forcing the pole to a substantially upright, vertical position. The constant tension of the cable then maintains the pole in this position. If necessary, the turnbuckle can be tightened periodically, to continually maintain the pole in the upright position.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable tension gate bracket for application to fencing panels, specifically gate panel, applied to the frame components of the gate panel with diagonally adjustable interlocking and engaging upper and lower members for adjusting the swing and pitch of the gate panel, providing a stable support for the opening end of the gate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for enhancing the load carrying capacity of new or existing, spanning, structural lumber. The device consists of a perforated steel strap, attached at both ends of a spanning structural member by means of standard fasteners such as nails, screws or bolts and running parallel to the long axis of the member either on the bottom or along the side. The strap is then tensioned by means of a central expanding device such as opposed wedges. The tensioning of the strap has the effect of adding tensile strength to the bottom chord of the spanning structural member as well as supporting the center of the member, thereby increasing the load carrying capacity. The device could be attached to new structural lumber before installation to either reduce the size of the member needed for a given span or to increase the spanning capacity for a given size of lumber.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel adapted to substantially close a building opening, the panel including variable shear load resistance means for regulating the shear stiffness of the building when the panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: A wall bracing system that uses a beam capable of bending to conform to a partially-buckled masonry wall that has buckled inward from external forces, such as hydrostatic pressures to which basement walls are typically exposed. The bracing beam is sufficiently flexible to conform to the partially-buckled wall, enabling the bracing system to apply a relatively uniform pressure against the wall to prevent further inward movement. One end of the beam is secured to the basement floor adjacent the wall, generally not more than the distance the wall has bowed inward, i.e., the horizontal displacement of the primary fracture point of the wall. The upper end of the beam is held in place with a bracket system secured to one or more overhead floor joists. The bracket system applies a force against the upper end of the beam toward the wall. Sufficient pressure is applied against the beam so that at least the upper end of the beam contacts and conforms to the buckled portion of the wall.

Abstract: Top plate tie-down arrangements are used for securing the roof of a structure against damage caused by high winds, earthquakes, and the like by anchoring the top plate of a wall to a foundation slab. An anchor for use in a top plate tie-down arrangement has a self-tapping thread on one end that allows it to be threaded into a hole drilled into the slab. The upper end of the anchor, which protrudes through a sill plate, is threaded to engage a connecting nut that ties the anchor to an elongated vertical fastener attached to the top plate. The lengths of various portions of the anchor and of the hole into which it is threaded are selected so that the sill plate is captured between the connecting nut and the slab.

Abstract: A method and assembly for straightening a wall, the wall having a ground retaining side, the ground retaining side of the wall retaining ground material, the ground material having a ground surface, the assembly and method including positioning a cable anchor within the ground material below the ground surface; extending a first section of a flexible cable along a path through the ground from the wall to the cable anchor; extending a second contiguous section of the cable toward the ground surface; fixedly attaching the second section of the flexible cable to a jackscrew adapted for applying a pulling force to the cable; and utilizing an arcuately curved cable guide to transmit the pulling force to the wall and to the cable anchor so that the pulling force draws the wall toward the cable anchor.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel, a metal frame structure connectable to the frame structure of a building opening, the frame structure including a top support member and lateral supports connected on a first end to the top support member, upper load members disposed on the top support member proximate the lateral supports, bottom load members disposed on the second ends of the lateral supports, and load transfer members disposed substantially diagonally on said panel and adapted to releasably engage the upper and lower load members. The load transfer members providing a substantially continuous load path when the panel is in a closed position and the building or structure is subjected to a lateral force.

Abstract: An arrangement for anchoring a roof of a building so that it can resist wind forces captures each roof truss, or other roof framing member, under a wire rope passed through a sequence of eyebolts protruding above a top plate of one of the walls of. Each of the eyes is the upper portion of one of a plurality of rod assemblies, each of which is connected to a respective one of a plurality of anchors disposed beneath the wall. A turnbuckle connecting each rod assembly to a respective eyebolt is used to draw the eyebolt down against the top plate and hence apply tension to the wire rope. A connecting nut at the bottom of each rod assembly attaches the rod assembly to a threaded upper end of an anchor set in the foundation of the building. Thus, tightening the turnbuckles firmly ties down the roof to the foundation.

Abstract: A manually adjustable structural load transferring device and system for providing tension and compression force transfer between a plurality of spaced building structural members. A pair of load transfer members are each provided with a threaded first end and a second end, the threaded first end of one of the pair of members having threads of opposite pitch to those of the first end of the other one. A coupler member has first and second threaded ends engaged with the threaded first ends of the pair of load transfer members so that the length of the assembly can be adjusted by relative rotation between the coupler member and the load transfer members. An end connection device is attached to the second end of each of the load transfer members, the end connection device including a plurality of fastener apertures and a plurality of bolt apertures for securing the base plate to a building structural member. Several embodiments of end connection devices are disclosed.