Abstract: Disclosed embodiments perform automated design for buildings or portions of buildings and machine-generate architectural design and floor plans. Computer-implemented systems and methods of designing multi-unit buildings and portions of buildings include a set of one or more input requirements, a relationships module, an options placement system, a layout predictor system, and a design plan generator. The input requirements include one or more pre-defined footprints and may include local regulatory requirements such as building code, zoning, accessibility, among others. The design plan generator generates an architectural design plan for the building or portion of a building that can be built on the one or more pre-defined footprints. Disclosed systems and methods substantially reduce the design time and cost while increasing the profitability, sustainability and efficiency of construction projects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to building surface products, for example, panels suitable for forming a building surface. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a building surface product including a gypsum panel with an upper edge that overlaps a lower edge of a neighboring gypsum panel.

Abstract: A one-piece shower base includes a pitched bottom surface, a plurality of vertical flanges extending upward from a plurality of outer edges of the one-piece shower base, a drain integrated within the one-piece shower base, and a pitched foam support base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The pitched bottom surface is pitched downward in at least one direction toward the drain. The upper surface of the pitched foam support base is adhered to an underside of the pitched bottom surface. The pitched foam support base fills in a hollow space below the underside of the pitched bottom surface created by the pitch of the pitched bottom surface.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) flat panel lighting fixture is provided. The LED flat panel lighting fixture comprises an LED flat panel lighting device comprising (a) one or more LEDs and (b) one or more first mating mechanisms. The LED flat panel lighting fixture further comprises a mounting bracket comprising one or more second mating mechanisms configured to each mate with a corresponding one of the one or more first mating mechanisms when the LED flat panel lighting device is rotated within the mounting bracket and with respect to the mounting bracket. The rotation of the LED flat panel lighting device within a plane of the mounting bracket and with respect to the mounting bracket causes the mating of the one or more second mating mechanisms with the corresponding ones of the one or more first mating mechanisms.

Abstract: An aligning device is used for aligning a guide rail of an elevator system. The guide rail is held on a shaft wall of an elevator shaft and is displaceable in at least two horizontal directions, oriented crosswise with respect to each other, before a final fixation. The aligning device has a detection device that is configured to detect, in an automated manner, a position deviation of the guide rail from a nominal position, and has a hammer mill that is configured to hammer the guide rail in an automated manner depending on the detected position deviation by exerting pulse-like strikes in one of the horizontal directions toward the nominal position.

Abstract: Expanding an elevator system in a hoistway of a building including: parking an elevator car at or below a first level, between a first rail system extend along first wall of the hoistway and a second rail system extending along a second wall of the hoistway that is opposite the first wall; raising the second rail system to the second level; supporting an elevator machine with a bedplate; the elevator machine is operatively connected to a machine end of a tension system; and the tension system is operationally connected to the elevator car; engaging a first safety block, operatively connected to the bedplate, to release the second rail system; and raising the bedplate to the second level.

Abstract: The method comprises measuring the shaft with measuring equipment from a movable transport platform, whereby the form of the shaft and the position of the fastening points for the guide rails is determined based on the information received in the measurement phase, attaching fastening brackets to the guide rail elements and adjusting the fastening brackets based on the measurement results before the installation of the guide rails takes place so that the guide rail elements provided with the fastening brackets can be lifted in the shaft and attached to the fastening points without further adjustment of the fastening brackets.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for accessing a model of a building, selecting a set of roof trusses, wherein the roof trusses comprised of a first set of members, isolating plurality of wall panels, wherein the wall panels are comprised of a second set of members, selecting a group of interfacing members between a roof truss and a wall panel, detecting an interface type between the roof truss and the wall panel, wherein each interface has a predetermined set of requirements, calculating a set of actual values associated with the interface type, comparing the set of actual values with a set of required values and determining the delta of the actual values and the required values, and identifying each interface where the delta is outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A vibration control device of a plate-like member 11 includes: a plurality of piezoelectric element actuators 14; at least one piezoelectric element sensor 15; and a control circuit 17 that performs feedback control of operation of the piezoelectric element actuators 14 based on an output voltage of the piezoelectric element sensor 15 so as to suppress vibration of the plate-like member 11. A layout of the piezoelectric element sensor 15 and the piezoelectric element actuators 14 is set such that anti-resonance occurs in an output voltage of the piezoelectric element sensor 15 in a range where the vibration frequency of the plate-like member 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Therefore, generation of noise can be prevented at the frequency. As a result, a gain can be increased at a control target frequency. Therefore, vibration can be suppressed, and noise can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a part layer-upon-layer using Additive Manufacturing technology, the method including: printing the part together with an elastomeric enclosure shaped thereto leaving a gap free of material therebetween, the elastomeric enclosure including at least one opening; heating the ensemble of the printed part and elastomeric enclosure or keeping an operating printing temperature; applying vacuum by the at least one opening of the elastomeric enclosure so that the elastomeric enclosure deflates thus exerting pressure to the printed part; and maintaining the printed part under vacuum and heat during a predefined time.

Abstract: An urban design pipeline automatically generates design options for an urban design project based on a financial model. The urban design pipeline includes a geometry engine that generates candidate designs to meet various design criteria and design objectives associated with the urban design project. The urban design pipeline also includes an evaluation engine that evaluates the candidate designs based on the financial model. The financial model quantifies the financial performance of any given candidate design. The urban design pipeline operates iteratively to improve the candidate designs until one or more convergence criteria are met, thereby generating a set of design options with acceptable financial performance.

Abstract: In a method for carrying out an installation process in an elevator shaft of an elevator system, an assembly device is inserted into the elevator shaft. The assembly device includes a support component, a mechatronic installation component retained by the support component and a control apparatus. At least one assembly apparatus (tool, sensor or component) is arranged on the support component. The support component is fixed in a fixing position in the elevator shaft. After the support component has been fixed, an actual position of the at least one assembly apparatus is determined relative to the installation component. Using the determined actual position relative to the support component, the at least one assembly apparatus is received by the installation component and an assembly step is carried out using the received at least one assembly apparatus.

Abstract: A one-piece shower base includes a pitched bottom surface, a plurality of vertical flanges extending upward from a plurality of outer edges of the one-piece shower base, a drain integrated within the one-piece shower base, and a pitched foam support base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The pitched bottom surface is pitched downward in at least one direction toward the drain. The upper surface of the pitched foam support base is adhered to an underside of the pitched bottom surface. The pitched foam support base fills in a hollow space below the underside of the pitched bottom surface created by the pitch of the pitched bottom surface.

Abstract: A method and a mounting device for carrying out an installation operation in an elevator shaft of an elevator system include a mounting device having a carrier component and a mechatronic installation component held on the carrier component. In a displacement phase, the carrier component is displaced relative to the elevator shaft and positioned at different heights within the elevator shaft. In a mounting phase, a mounting step is carried out at least partially automatically, wherein a mounting device is removed from a magazine component disposed on the carrier component and installed on a shaft wall of the elevator shaft. In a stocking phase, a magazine component is stocked with mounting devices outside the elevator shaft and, in a loading phase, the stocked magazine component is disposed on the carrier component.

Abstract: An HVAC system includes HVAC components configured to adjust environmental conditions within a space. A control system is in communication with the HVAC components and is configured to execute in an efficiency operation mode. The efficiency operation mode is configured to receive configuration data related to the space and operational values for the HVAC components, monitor environmental parameters such as outdoor ambient temperature, indoor ambient temperature, and occupancy of the space, monitor an energy usage of the HVAC components based on the current operational values, determine new operational values configured to reduce the energy usage for the HVAC components based on the monitored energy usage and the environmental parameters, and transmit the new operating values to the HVAC components.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a pre-Northridge type steel beam-to-column connection, includes welding the web of the beam to a flange of the column and slotting the beam web in the region of the connection and near the beam flanges. Stress relief holes are made into the web of the beam and slots are cut into the web of the beam. A top backup bar is welded to the flange of the column and a bottom backup bar is removed from the flange weld to the column. The method includes back gouging the flange of the column at a position of the removed backup bar and welding a bottom flange of the beam to the flange of the column.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a moment-resisting frame for connecting beams and columns of a structure. The moment-resisting frame may include a beam comprising a top horizontal flange, a bottom horizontal flange, and a vertical web fitted securely between the top horizontal flange and the bottom horizontal flange. The moment-resisting frame may also include a column comprising a lateral vertical flange. The lateral vertical flange may include a top flange threaded hole, a bottom flange threaded hole, a first lateral flange threaded hole, and a second lateral flange threaded hole. The moment-resisting frame may further include a plurality of rows of coplanar plates that retrofitted around an outermost periphery of the beam.

Abstract: A new adhesive composition comprising a cycloaliphatic-based epoxy composition, which is particularly suitable for use as a structural adhesive in anchoring applications.

Abstract: The application relates to a method for modernizing an existing escalator or an existing moving walkway. The method can include removing all the electrical and mechanical parts from the existing framework of the existing escalator or of the existing moving walkway, the existing framework having two framework side parts and a base structure connecting said framework side parts, and the framework side parts being connected to each other by means of cross members disposed at a distance from the base structure; and replacing the existing cross members of the existing framework with new cross members, the two framework side parts of the existing framework being connected to each other in a mutually stabilising manner at least one point at a distance from the base structure of the framework, during replacement of the cross members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for installing an elevator, which comprises an elevator car arranged to run in an elevator shaft along the guide rails, a balancing weight connected to the elevator car with suspension ropes and with a traction member, the elevator comprising further a hoisting machinery with a driving wheel in the lower part of the elevator shaft below the elevator car, the installing comprising one or more jumps to make the elevator serve higher floors. During the jump phase extensions needed for the suspension ropes are taken from first supply reels and extensions needed for the traction member are taken from second supply reels.

Abstract: A cover member attachment/detachment structure includes a first engagement part and a second engagement part. The first engagement part is formed in one of a portion to be protected or a cover member attached to the portion to be protected. The second engagement part is formed in the other of the portion to be protected or the cover member attached to the portion to be protected. The second engagement part is capable of engaging with the first engagement part. The first engagement part is made of magnetic material. The first engagement part is magnetically movable from an outside of the cover member without contact between a locking position where the first engagement part is engaged with the second engagement part and a lock releasing position where the first engagement part is disengaged with the second engagement part.

Abstract: A reflective particulate composition includes a particulate substrate, and an inorganic binder, a pigment, and a hydrophobic coating on the particulate substrate. The composition may have a solar reflectance of 70% or greater. The pigment may include a clay, and the hydrophobic coating may include a (meth)acrylic polymer, a coupling agent, a wax and an antioxidant. A method of making the composition may include mixing the pigment, the inorganic binder, a dispersant and water to form a pigment mixture, adding the particulate substrate to the pigment mixture, heat treating the pigmented particulate, and mixing the pigmented particulate with a hydrophobic coating composition. Alternatively, the method may include first mixing the particulate substrate with one of the inorganic binder or the pigment, and then mixing the resulting composition with the other of the inorganic binder and the pigment, and heat treating the pigmented particulate.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an illumination device includes driver and LED lighting modules collectively sized to fit within a recessed-can lighting fixture constructed for use with incandescent or halogen bulbs, thereby facilitating LED changeover without removal and replacement of the fixture.

Abstract: The invention comprises a foam insulating panel having an outer surface and a reinforcing member adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the foam insulating panel. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method to build and erect super high rise buildings with a completely new concept of civil engineering, which is based on concept and method of building of vertical columnar structures by multi stacking of columns using hydraulic suspension and elevator arm system, and then strengthening them with concrete. This is followed with building of gateway support structure around vertical columnar structure and central core to stabilize the high rise building. Next stage is the building of horizontal steel framework platforms at ground level and elevating them by central core elevator and cable hoist system. The passage of horizontal platforms through gateway structure is conducted by alternating opening and closing of gates. The process enables to populate the vertical columnar structures with horizontal platforms, which are then inter locked with vertical columnar structures and central concrete core wall Finally the steel framework platforms are strengthened with concrete.

Abstract: Described herein is a crown molding jig, with a flat body, a device for attaching the upper end of the body to a wall, and a shelf, substantially perpendicular to the body, on which crown molding may be rested while a person installs the molding at the juncture of the wall and a ceiling. The jig may have an angled extension that when struck disengages the jig from the wall. A method using the jig to install crown molding is also described.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an adjustable bird slope are described. A height of the face of the bird slope can be altered as necessary so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.

Abstract: An air containment system (22) is configured to span an aisle (12) formed by two rows of racks (14,16) or by one row of racks (14) and a wall (56) to form a ceiling. The air containment system (22) includes a frame structure (24) configured to be supported by the two rows of racks (14,16) or by the one row of racks (14) and the wall (56). The air containment system (22) further includes at least one ceiling panel (30) releasably supported by the frame structure (24), and a lock assembly (64) coupled to the frame structure (24) and configured to release the at least one ceiling panel (30) upon detecting a predetermined condition. Embodiments of the air containment system (22) and methods for releasing ceiling panels (30) are further disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for mounting lift components of a lift system in a vertical shaft of a building with the aid of a mounting system which can be moved in the shaft, wherein the lift system has at least one cage which can travel along guide rails in the shaft. In order to develop the method to achieve shorter fitting times and less dependency upon how advanced the construction of the building is, according to the invention a mounting system is positioned in the shaft, having a support platform and a mounting platform, which are disposed one above the other, and having a lifting and pulling device, the support platform and the mounting platform being alternately fixed in position in the shaft and the platform which is not fixed in position at any one time is displaced in the vertical direction by means of the lifting and pulling device relative to the platform fixed in position. In addition, the invention relates to a mounting system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size, and spreads the angle of the truss open ends. One embodiment uses a first plate, having a connection part to a first truss, where the connection part is adapted for connection to a first truss. A second plate is movable relative to the first plate. The second plate also has a second connection part adapted for connection to a second truss. An angle setting part forms a connection between the first plate and the second plate, that holds the first plate relative to the second plate at any of a number of different relative locations between the first plate and the second plate. The plates include angle markings to set the connections.

Abstract: A waterproof screw includes a screw member including a head portion and a shank portion and a sealing material covering the circumference of the shank portion. In the sealing material, the tackiness of a surface at the outer side in a radial direction of the shank portion is lower than that of a surface at the inner side in the radial direction thereof and the inner side in the radial direction of the sealing material has a shear storage elastic modulus G? at 25° C. measured at a frequency of 1 Hz of 50000 Pa or less.

Abstract: A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition. The treatment room of the facility is constructed from a vault module comprising a freestanding outer frame assembly that is placed on the supporting foundation. The vault module includes a base frame adjustably mounted within the outer frame assembly for supporting the radiotherapy device and a plurality of adjustable supports for leveling the base frame independently from the outer frame assembly.

Abstract: A convertible roof element includes a peripheral structure with an opening to be at least partially closed by a membrane, an edge rope and at least one guide rope forming a rope band tensioned against each other. The convertible roof element has a parking position and at least one shading position, the parking position running along the peripheral structure and the at least one shading position running across the opening of the peripheral structure. The edge rope is fixed at its ends via a first tensioning device to the peripheral structure. The at least one guide rope is secured to the edge rope at one end and at the other end to the peripheral structure by means of a further tensioning device. The tensile force of the further tensioning device is variable so that the edge rope is moveable from the parking position into the at least one shading position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination roof top solar installation tool, and more particularly, to a tool for measuring, securing, and supporting solar installation equipment to allow for quick, safe, consistent, and efficient installations. The tool may include a first housing, a second housing, and third housing that fit telescopically together and are secured through a clip locking mechanism that extends the housings when released via a clip and roller system. The tool has ruling etched along the top of the housings, a level, and also has a series of ratchet heads for tightening and loosening tools on a roof. The invention may include a series of seam clamp holes along the surface of the housings, which receive a seam clamp. The invention may also have an elongating device secured onto one of the housings, which is used for measuring distances beyond the length of the installation tool.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting an air conditioning unit in a window has a base plate having a front edge and a rear edge and a pair of support legs connected to the base plate and extending from the rear edge, each support leg having an end face that faces in a same direction as the front edge and a support trough connected to the front edge. There are adjustable arms connected to the support trough. These arms are slidable in opposite directions to increase the width of the bracket and fit it exactly to the width of the window frame. When the bracket is positioned in a window frame of a structure, the support trough fits within the window frame and the end faces of the each support leg rest against an exterior of the structure.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is a portable drywall/plaster repair kit comprised of at least one pencil like structure comprised of a first end and a second end; a sharpener for sharpening at least one of said first end and said second end; and a cutting device for scoring or cutting the sharpened first or second end. The drywall/plaster repair kit eliminates the waiting time typically associated with other drywall/plaster repair methods and devices, and enables a user to repair a hole in drywall and/or plaster with a single application, thereby saving time.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of building a reinforced construction structure. The method comprises a step of treating an attachment member with surface nanocrystallization whereby when the construction structure is under stress at least a first portion blocks or reduces spreading of strain along the attachment.

Abstract: An improved joint and method for constructing a terrazzo surface are provided, including use of a joint strip, comprising opposing strip portions having upper wall surfaces that are joined by a solid upper joint strip channel wall.

Abstract: A bracing panel for constructing a truss frame having spaced trusses includes first and second engagement members having outer faces extending parallel to each other. A plurality of spacing members are attached to the first and second engagement members. The plurality of spacing members are configured and dimensioned to maintain the outer faces of the first and second engagement members parallel and spaced by a distance equal to a predetermined truss spacing. A bracing member extends between the first and second engagement members and laterally with respect to the spacing members for providing lateral support to the spacing members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for hiding utility poles and other manmade structures from view by placing a plurality of truncated artificial trees either near, within close proximity, or within a utility poles right of way. Wherein, the artificial trees are sized such that a desired percentage of the utility pole is capable of being hidden when viewed from a desired location.

Abstract: Gliding means are attached to a side frame of the car sling, said gliding means comprising a gliding part supported through elasticity means on a frame part. The side frame is positioned on a guide rail in an elevator shaft so that the gliding part of the gliding means sets on the guide rail. The gliding means is provided with an installation jig comprising a first branch positioned between the gliding part and the guide rail, and a second branch positioned in an open space between the frame part and the gliding part for bypassing the elasticity means. The installation jig is removed when the installation of the car sling and the car has been completed.

Abstract: A threaded barrel nut is provided. The threaded barrel nut may include a plate having a front surface and a rear surface. The threaded nut may further include a threaded barrel attached to the plate. The present invention may further include a decorative face attached to the plate and covering at least a portion of the rear surface. A bolt may pass through an opening of a utility component and through an opening in the fence. The bolt may secure to the threaded barrel nut on an opposite side of the fence, thereby attaching the utility component to the fence. The decorative face may cover the rear surface of the threaded barrel nut.

Abstract: A structural crack repair apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one staple having an elongated torque plate, a pair of reinforcing rods and a pair of rotatable cam members provided on the torque plate and engaging the respective cam members. According to the method, the reinforcing rods are inserted in rod apertures provided in the surface on opposite sides of the crack. The cam members are selectively rotated to cause radial displacement of the reinforcing rods with respect to a geometric center of the cam members to cause tight engagement of the reinforcing rods with the interiors of the rod apertures.

Abstract: A method for roof drainage for reducing urban waterlogging, the method including: arranging a drainage device on a roof, the drainage device including a drainage exit and a drainage pipe including a wall; increasing the height of the drainage exit to allow the drainage exit to be between 5 and 10 cm higher than the roof; arranging a water outlet hole having a drainage capacity on the wall of the drainage pipe at a position that has the same height as the roof or is lower than the roof; disposing a siphon including an inlet and an outlet on an upper part of the drainage pipe, allowing the inlet to face the roof, and allowing the outlet to extend into the drainage pipe; and disposing a ball cock mechanism on the wall of the drainage wall to control the water outlet hole to open or close.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to systems, devices for use with systems, and method of mounting and retaining solar panels. A solar module mounting system may include: a support mechanism including a support post pivotably attached to a support base, and an attachment module for attaching a solar panel to the support mechanism.

Abstract: Deck systems, deck system components making up the deck systems, and methods of assembling and disassembling deck system components and the deck systems are described herein. A box-frame can be assembled from box-frame segments, angle clips, and fasteners. A box-frame can be supported by posts attached to the box-frame using post brackets and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be assembled using joist segments, joist spacers, and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be positioned within the box-frame. The joist assemblies can be secured to box-frame segments or another joist assembly using roll-lock tabs and roll-lock tab receivers and locking tabs and locking tab retainers that part of extrusions making up the box-frame segments, joist spacers, or joist segments. Deck boards can be secured to the joist assemblies using deck screws or deck clips. The post brackets can accommodate support posts below deck boards and railing posts extending above deck boards.

Abstract: A water impermeable structure comprising a plurality of construction boards fastened to a structure or a building. Each construction board comprises a curable substrate and a water impermeable seamless resilient membrane adhered to the curable substrate. The water impermeable seamless resilient membrane comprises one or more flaps that extend beyond the curable substrate. The flaps affix to the adjoining construction board creating a water impermeable structure and a water impermeable structure with at least one water impermeable area.

Abstract: An exemplary demountable barrier system includes a panel, a frame structure having a channel to receive the panel, and a seal compressing against the panel to hold the panel. The seal is slideably attached to the frame structure.

Abstract: The invention is an Offset Adjustable Foundation Leg that provides support and tie down for structural insulated composite panel buildings. It is a telescoping leg made up of outside steel or aluminum round or rectangular tube and an inside steel or aluminum round or rectangular tube with the tubes provided with a series of holes for through bolting together which is placed on a bearing plate. Further adjustment and hold down means is provided by an adjustment means and nuts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface covering system, and, more specifically, to an improved linear surface covering system. The improvement includes each plank of the system having multi-directionally cut grooves. The improvement further includes clip projections which conform substantially to a notch formed by the multi-directional grooves. The system also includes an improved splice plate for stabilizing two adjacent planks positioned in end-to-end relation.