In one aspect, the invention provides a structural post that comprises a major flange and a minor flange connected through a web portion. The two flanges are configured such that a cross-sectional area of the major flange is greater than that of the minor flange. Thus, the structural post has an asymmetrical configuration due to the difference in the cross-sectional area between the two flanges. The middle portion has substantially less material thus rendering the structural post lighter in construction, which would facilitate transportation as well as make buildings lighter. Further, the minimal amount of material used in the web portion reduces thermal bridge, thus reducing heat loss from interior to exterior. The structural post of the invention can further be manufactured to predetermined dimensions to ensure that it can conveniently replace existing studs.

A coupling nut includes: a simple fastening nut housing case having bolt insertion holes for insertion, from end portions of the simple nut housing case, of bolts to be coupled, and, in sections of the housing case toward end portions thereof, simple fastening nut housing portions configured to non-rotatably house simple fastening nuts that screw together with the bolts inserted into the bolt insertion holes; and a simple fastening nut that is housed in each simple fastening nut housing portion of the housing case, provided with at least two or more nut segments that are biased by biasing springs, and configured to screw together with a screw portion of the inserted bolt when the housing case is rotated in a screwing direction after insertion of the bolts. One simple fastening nut has a left-hand thread and the other has a right-hand thread.

A device for compensating for the natural shrinkage of building materials includes a hinged expander mounted on an elongate base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of spaced apart teeth on each longitudinal end that define a notch between each pair of adjacent spaced teeth. The hinged expander included two leafs that are joined at an apex in a hinged relationship. Each leaf has an outer edge configured for receipt within a notch in the base plate. Apex is biased in a direction away from the base plate. The teeth prevent outward movement of the leaf edges while permitting inward movement. The base plate is securely fastened to a first building member. A fastener is longitudinally fixed relative to a second building member and the apex of the hinged expander but not fixed longitudinally relative to the base plate and first building member.

The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a first foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface and a second foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the first and second foam panels are disposed such that their edges are adjacent each other and define a joint therebetween. The product also comprises an elongate metal strip having a body portion and a projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the metal strip being disposed such that at least a portion of the projection is disposed in the joint between the foam panels and at least a portion of the body portion covers a portion of the second primary surface of the first foam panel and a portion of the second primary surface of the second foam panel. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed.

A damper frame for dissipating seismic energy includes a structural frame and a damper assembly secured to the structural frame. The damper assembly includes a damper support secured to the structural frame. A damper is secured to the damper support adjacent a first end of the damper. A diagonal link is secured to the structural frame. A lever is secured to the damper support and the damper adjacent a second end of the damper opposite the first end of the damper. The first end of the damper is spaced vertically from the second end of the damper by a distance that is greater than a lateral distance between the first and second ends of the damper. The lever is connected to the diagonal link so displacement of the diagonal link relative to the damper support is amplified and transferred to the second end of the damper by the lever. The damper support includes a diagonal leg. The diagonal link and diagonal leg are arranged for telescoping movement relative to one another.

The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a first foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface and a second foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the first and second foam panels are disposed such that their edges are adjacent each other and define a joint therebetween. The product also comprises an elongate metal strip having a body portion and a projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the metal strip being disposed such that at least a portion of the projection is disposed in the joint between the foam panels and at least a portion of the body portion covers a portion of the second primary surface of the first foam panel and a portion of the second primary surface of the second foam panel. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed.

A structural webbing to be custom cut and fit to individual job sites, allowing for the reduction or elimination of traditional beams used in structural building. Webbing uses angular forces to bear loads, resulting in reduction of thick beams. Elimination of beams allows for significant reduction in resource consumption and increase in thermal efficiency of structure. Webbing allows elimination of thermal shorts and increased space for insulating materials. Webbing consists of alternating nodes and members, wherein members are disposed at positive and negative angles to the nodes, creating a zig-zag pattern. May include upper or lower cords. Can be used in straight line for walls, window headers, doors, etc., or in curves or other more elaborate shapes for curved windows, etc. Suitable for load bearing walls, upper and lower floors. Nodes can be coupled with standard structural members such as king studs, head pieces, and top and bottom plates.

A structural webbing to be custom cut and fit to individual job sites, allowing for the reduction or elimination of traditional beams used in structural building. Webbing uses angular forces to bear loads, resulting in distributed loads not requiring thick beams. Elimination of beams allows for significant reduction in resource consumption and increase in thermal efficiency of structure. Webbing allows elimination of thermal shorts and increased space for insulating materials. Webbing consists of alternating nodes and members, wherein members are disposed at positive and negative angles to the nodes, creating a zig-zag pattern. Can be used in straight line for walls, window headers, doors, etc., or in curves or other more elaborate shapes for curved windows, etc. Suitable for load bearing walls, upper and lower floors. Nodes can be coupled with standard structural members such as king studs, head pieces, and top and bottom plates.

The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a first foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface and a second foam panel having an edge, a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, wherein the first and second foam panels are disposed such that their edges are adjacent each other and define a joint therebetween. The product also comprises an elongate metal strip having a body portion and a projection extending outwardly from the body portion, the metal strip being disposed such that at least a portion of the projection is disposed in the joint between the foam panels and at least a portion of the body portion covers a portion of the second primary surface of the first foam panel and a portion of the second primary surface of the second foam panel. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed.

A screw setting device includes a first cylindrical housing having a first cylindrical top plate with a first outer annular wall and a first inner annular wall extending perpendicularly therefrom. The inner annular wall defines a first screw setting passageway sized to receive a screw fastener. A second cylindrical housing mates with the first housing, including a second cylindrical top plate, outer annular wall, and an inner annular wall having an inner threaded surface that engages the outer threaded surface of the first inner annular wall. The screw fastener is transversely retained between slots in the top plates, which misalign when rotated to a closed position. A stormproof wall frame system includes a bottom plate with female receiving portions and screw fastener passageways, securing sawn wooden framing members. The invention enables precise and secure fastening, prevents transverse movement of fasteners, and enhances structural integrity in storm conditions.