Abstract: A foundation system (1) and method of installing the foundation system. The system including plurality of modular slabs (3, 3A, 3B) mountable onto a gravel layer (2); and at least one horizontal isolating slab (5A, 5B, 5C) and a vertical edge portion (4) positioned with respect to the modular slabs (3A, 3A, 3B) for creating a receptacle wherein concrete is poured thereon.

Abstract: A self regulating heating device includes a first layer made of an electrically insulating material. The first layer is thin and flexible. First and second buses spaced from each other are connected to the first layer. A resistive layer electrically connects the first and second buses. The resistive layer has a higher electrical resistance than the second layer. The resistive layer experiences a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect when heated. A solar active layer is connected to the first layer. The solar active layer is electrically connected to the first and second buses. The solar active layer converts light into electrical energy to apply a voltage across the first and second buses.

Abstract: A foundation system (1) and method of installing the foundation system. The system including plurality of modular slabs (3, 3A, 3B) mountable onto a gravel layer (2); and at least one horizontal isolating slab (5A, 5B, 5C) and a vertical edge portion (4) positioned with respect to the modular slabs (3A, 3A, 3B) for creating a receptacle wherein concrete is poured thereon.

Abstract: A building insulation system for roofs and walls supported from the interior side of the building, which eliminates thermal bridges and bottom side ceiling fasteners to support the insulation system materials during the insulation and exterior sheeting process of the building construction. The insulation system creates an air gap space layer in roofs and in walls between the exterior wall and roof sheeting panels and the interior sheet material, which supports the insulation material layer. An air gap space enables active solar energy collection and its use to reduce the overall purchased energy for operation of the building. The insulation system preferably includes a support sheet material, a sheet material tensioning devices, an insulation material layer, insulation hanger retention devices, heat and air collection and distribution ducts, dampers, louvers, pipes, dehumidification and condensate collection devices used in the air gap layers of the building to improve the building energy efficiency.

Abstract: A multiple function device for installation in roofs and walls of buildings, which provides several functions useful for the energy efficient operation and use of a building. The primary functions of this device are energy collection, air ventilation, control of air flows, heat energy extraction, dehumidification, condensate collection, day lighting interior building spaces, inspection of insulation cavities and the interior of the roof system.

Abstract: The building heat exchange system is suited for installation in areas having warmer seasonal climates. The system can include an external solar heated water supply, and an indoor water heater. An enclosure extends around the water heater, with indoor air flowing between the enclosure and water heater to a duct for distribution. During cooler conditions the water heater heats incoming water from the relatively cool external water supply, with the warmth of the water heater warming the air for distribution into the bathroom or other area as desired. In warmer times, the water supplied from the water supply can be sufficiently hot that additional heating is not needed, and can be hotter than desired. In such warmer conditions, the water heater can serve as a radiator, with heat radiated from the water heater being absorbed by air flowing past the water heater and expelled to the external environment.

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground pan having a planar surface received on a ground surface and a thermally insulative member disposed on the ground pan, which cooperatively define in situ a proximate thermally isolated ground column, with a foundation support connected to the ground pan and to the support beam, the thermally insulative member restricts communication of heat from the proximate thermally isolated ground column below the ground pan for resisting frost heaving. A method of resisting frost heave of a foundation is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal barrier for reducing heat transfer through the slab foundation of a building, said thermal barrier comprising: a substrate; a first attachment means disposed at the top of said substrate for attaching said thermal barrier to a building; an insulating sheathing attached to said substrate; a reflective layer disposed between said sheathing and said substrate; and a second attachment means for attaching said apparatus to a building, said second attachment means disposed adjacent to one side of said sheathing and against said substrate.

Abstract: A ground anchor and method for anchoring a building to the ground. The ground anchor has a base member having a core and an outer layer connected to the core. The ground anchor also has a support member having two outer layers separated from one another by a core, the support member having a top surface and a bottom surface. A bonding material connects the bottom surface of the support member to the outer surface of the base member. Bonding material also connects the top surface of the support member to a building element. The ground anchor is buried in the ground at the construction site and connected to the building to anchor the building to the ground.

Abstract: A construction system for walls situated above the ground and that include thermal insulation having an applied surface layer. An inner insulating panel, which is carried on the wall, has a thermal insulating function as well as a draining function. A surface layer in the form of render forms an external surface layer outside the inner insulating panel.

Abstract: A building insulation system for roofs and walls supported from the interior side of the building, which eliminates thermal bridges and bottom side ceiling fasteners to support the insulation system materials during the insulation and exterior sheeting process of the building construction. The insulation system creates an air gap space layer in roofs and in walls between the exterior wall and roof sheeting panels and the interior sheet material, which supports the insulation material layer. An air gap space enables active solar energy collection and its use to reduce the overall purchased energy for operation of the building. The insulation system preferably includes a support sheet material, a sheet material tensioning devices, an insulation material layer, insulation hanger retention devices, heat and air collection and distribution ducts, dampers, louvers, pipes, dehumidification and condensate collection devices used in the air gap layers of the building to improve the building energy efficiency.

Abstract: A solar heat pump building preferably includes a building, an air barrier insulation layer, a material insulation layer and a plurality of ducts. The air barrier insulation layer includes a ceiling air barrier insulation layer and a wall air barrier insulation layer. The ceiling air barrier insulation layer is a ceiling air gap created between a ceiling sheet and a roof panel. The wall air barrier insulation layer is a wall air gap created between the ceiling sheet and two opposing lengthwise wall panels, and two inner end wall sheets and two opposing end wall panels. Two lengthwise wall insulation layers are attached to vertical portions of the ceiling sheet. Two end wall insulation layers are attached to the two inner end wall sheets. A plurality of ducts include lengthwise ducts and end ducts, which are retained in the wall air barrier insulation layer to channel air.

Abstract: A building foundation having a plurality of insulating members arranged to define a perimeter that acts as a form for concrete is described. Concrete is poured into the form in a non-rigid state and allowed to harden into a concrete slab integrally formed with the plurality of insulating members.

Abstract: A crawlspace encapsulation system that enables sealing and insulating of the crawlspace while allowing for the venting of gases trapped between the ground and the sealing and insulating system. The crawlspace encapsulation system includes an insulation joist plug, one or more insulation panels, and a polymeric membrane.

Abstract: The slab edge forming and insulating system includes edge members and support braces. The edge members include an elongated shell having an upright portion with an insulated inside surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions has formed edges. Open cross sectioned support braces having upper and lower formed edges for engaging the formed edges of the elongated shell are fixed to a footing and connected to the edge members. The edge members form and insulate the edges of the poured concrete of the slab while the open cross sectioned support braces receive the poured concrete of the slab and thus anchor the edge members to the edge of the slab.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction system (101) for walls (102) situated above the ground and that comprise thermal insulation having an applied surface layer (105). According to the invention, an inner insulating panel (103), which is carried on the wall, has a thermal insulating function as well as a draining function. A surface layer in the form of render forms an external surface layer (105) outside said inner insulating panel (103).

Abstract: A previously formed unitary building exterior envelope product is provided, comprising: a mineral fiber insulation board including a binder having a hydrophobic agent and is resistant to liquid water-penetration and has first and second major surfaces, an exterior facing material, which resists air infiltration and liquid water penetration, laminated to the first major surface, the exterior facing material being permeable to water vapor, and a continuous interior facing laminated to the second major surface, so that the second major surface is resistant to liquid water-penetration and is permeable to water vapor. The section of product is mounted to an exterior side of a plurality of framing members of an exterior wall of a building, so that the interior facing faces the framing members. An exterior layer is mounted to the framing members using a connection device that passes through the section of product, with the facing material facing the exterior layer.

Abstract: The slab edge forming and insulating system includes edge members and support braces. The edge members include an elongated shell having an upright portion with an insulated inside surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper and lower portions have formed edges. Open cross sectioned support braces having upper and lower formed edges for engaging the formed edges of the elongated shell are fixed to a footing and connected to the edge members. The edge members form and insulate the edges of the poured concrete of the slab while the open cross sectioned support braces receive the poured concrete of the slab and thus anchor the edge members to the edge of the slab.

Abstract: There is described a thermal storage system for transferring and storing heat in the ground, the thermal storage system comprising pumping means configured to circulate a working fluid, a heat exchanger, a supply output, a length of pipe, a return inlet and a thermally conductive ground engaging footing such that the pumping means circulates the working fluid through the length of pipe allowing heat transfer between the ground and the working fluid, the thermally conductive ground engaging footing thermally communicating with the ground.

Abstract: There is described a wall structure for absorbing or transferring heat from or to the ground, the wall structure comprising a footing for the wall structure disposed in the ground below grade extending in the longitudinal direction of the wall structure, a vertical wall supported on and extending longitudinally in the direction of the footing, the vertical wall extending upwardly from the footing above grade to a predetermined height, and having upper, lower, interior, exterior and end surfaces, a sheath of insulation for enveloping the vertical wall's upper, end, interior and exterior surfaces and thermal conductors disposed in the wall structure to be in thermal communication with one another, at least some of the conductors extending outwardly from the footing into the ground, the thermal conductors facilitating heat transfer between the ground and the vertical wall.

Abstract: A geosolar temperature control building construction system wherein a concrete wall defines a temperature delivery system, comprising the concrete wall having insulation on at least an outer surface, the concrete wall structure positioned at a first elevation in the earth, the first elevation being below a frost line for a region where the building construction is located, a passive thermal transfer system comprising an inwardly facing surface of the concrete wall having insulation removed at the first elevation to expose the concrete wall to thermal conditions at the first elevation and thermally couple the building to the earth, the concrete wall defining an exterior wall of the building construction generally near a floor slab, the floor slab positioned at a second elevation of the concrete wall above the first elevation, an active thermal transfer system comprising a closed loop piping system having a plurality of a horizontally extending pipes disposed beneath the floor slab, the plurality of horizontall

Abstract: A material and method for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall includes a non-woven thermoplastic board being for insulating and providing a drainage path for a foundation wall. The non-woven thermoplastic board has a thermal resistance of an R-value per inch thickness of at least 1. The non-woven thermoplastic board also has a vertical drainage ability per inch thickness of at least 135 Gallons/Hour/Lineal-Foot/inch at a pressure of 500 pounds per square foot (psf).

Abstract: A foundation system for supporting a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground pan having a planar surface received on a ground surface and a thermally insulative member disposed on the ground pan, which cooperatively define in situ a proximate thermally isolated ground column, with a foundation support connected to the ground pan and to the support beam, the thermally insulative member restricts communication of heat from the proximate thermally isolated ground column below the ground pan for resisting frost heaving. A method of resisting frost heave of a foundation is disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a wall structure for absorbing or transferring heat from or to the ground, the wall structure comprising a footing for the wall structure disposed in the ground below grade extending in the longitudinal direction of the wall structure, a vertical wall supported on and extending longitudinally in the direction of the footing, the vertical wall extending upwardly from the footing above grade to a predetermined height, and having upper, lower, interior, exterior and end surfaces, a sheath of insulation for enveloping the vertical wall's upper, end, interior and exterior surfaces and thermal conductors disposed in the wall structure to be in thermal communication with one another, at least some of the conductors extending outwardly from the footing into the ground, the thermal conductors facilitating heat transfer between the ground and the vertical wall.

Abstract: This invention is describing a procedure for building constructions, tanks, technological installations, etc., characterized by constructing around the building an additional supra-structures (FIG. 1b, 1g) avoiding the contacts with the first supra-structure and which supports a thermo insulating outer cover (1d), the components of the exterior installations (1j) and decorative elements (1k).

Abstract: A hollow pile suitable for being sunk substantially vertically into the soil by screw-sinking, said hollow pile being characterized in that it has: at least one helical fin (2) having a flattened shape and a small pitch suitable for causing the pile to be sunk by a few centimeters per turn, when said pile is caused to move in rotation, the helical fin (2) finding itself united mechanically with and in thermal contact with the outside wall of the pile (1); and internal partitioning (3) defining an axial compartment (11) and an outer compartment (12) that communicate with each other at the bottom (13) of the pile; said hollow pile being characterized in that: the helical fin (2) is in direct thermal contact with the outer compartment (12) through the thickness of wall of the pile (1); and the outer compartment (12) has a flow section (S2) that is significantly smaller than the flow section (S1) of the axial compartment (11).

Abstract: A system for forming an insulating vapor barrier in a building is especially suited for forming an insulating vapor barrier in a crawl space beneath a building. The system includes a series of separate vapor barrier panels that can be attached around a wall. A ground level vapor barrier can be sealed to the insulating vapor barrier panels, which can be sealed to each other and along a top edge to the wall. The individual vapor barrier panels include an insulating foam member with a vapor resistant liner laminated thereto and extending beyond the edges of the insulating foam member to provide space for securing and sealing multiple vapor barrier panels to form a continuous insulating vapor barrier. Mechanical or hook and loop fasteners can be provided to secure the top edges of the vapor barrier liners to the wall and bottom edges to a ground liner.

Abstract: A foundation wall comprises a plurality of abutting, generally upright structural insulated panels, each of the panels comprising a slab of insulation sandwiched between first and second sheets and a top plate adjacent the top of the panel and overlaying the insulation. The lower end of the panel is devoid of a bottom plate.

Abstract: One embodiment of a southward facing trapezoidal shaped passive solar heat gaining building with basement walls used for heating the building on cold days, and cooling the building on hot days. The specially colored blinds FIG. 4, and shade 24 are features to aid the building in using nearly no energy for lighting, heating, and cooling. Upside down U shaped basement wall 40 and 42 are a unique feature that prevent leaks. This building, when elongated outward in the form of a large store, has parking along its perimeter allowing for time saved in people walking to and from cars, and saves conveyance waste in the form of a large manufacturing plant being able to have trucks deliver parts very close to the place where the parts are needed. Incidentally, because the building may be long and narrow and not square, it is safer if it catches fire because people can exit drastically quicker, and fire trucks can park near the fire and reach it quicker to put it out quicker.

Abstract: The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.

Abstract: A decking plank (1) comprising a core (2) which acts as a support beam, one or more layers (3,4) bonded to said core without the use of releasable attachment means and one or the layer being an outer slip resistant covering layer with a relief; characterised in that at least one of said layers (3) is relatively soft compared to said core which is relatively hard; whereby the core acts as a support beam and said at least one layer has a cushioning effect.

Abstract: A building wall or a system for insulating a building wall, comprising: an insulating layer of translucent insulation disposed upon an exterior wall of a building so as to be exposed to solar radiation; an absorbing layer disposed toward the interior of said building from said insulating layer in a position to receive at least of portion of said solar radiation, said absorbing layer being capable of absorbing a portion of said solar radiation and converting said portion of said solar radiation to thermal energy; an adaptive shading mechanism disposed exterior of said transparent insulation, said adaptive shading mechanism comprising: a support structure secured to said building and adapted to support plant matter at a distance therefrom; plant matter disposed upon said support structure in a position to at least partially shade said exterior of said building from said solar radiation, said plant matter being selected so that said plant matter changes during a certain portion of the calendar year so as to incr

Abstract: A structure utilizing geothermal energy capable of effectively utilizing a thermal energy in an underground constant temperature layer while using a supplementary heater and an air conditioner and natural energies such as solar heat or solar light, wind power, and water power in order to prevent limited fossil energies such as petroleum, gases, and coal from being exhausted, wherein an insulating wall (A) formed of a plurality of insulation panels (1) connected to each other and extending from a ground surface (4) to the underground constant temperature layer (21) is buried in the ground while surrounding a building (22) adhesively to the ground exposed portion and the underground buried portion of a foundation (5).

Abstract: The wall insulating and finishing system is a system for finishing a concrete structure to increase the amount of useable space in a building. The finishing system comprises a plurality of connectable panels. An insulation layer is secured to the rear surface of the panels. The insulation layer has a generally flat front surface that is secured to the rear surface of the panels. The insulation layer also provides an uneven rear surface that is positioned adjacent to the existing basement foundation wall, and a pair of uneven side surfaces. The uneven rear and side surfaces of the insulation layer provide a plurality of grooves or dimples that allow moisture and air to move freely between the wall structure and the insulation layer. The panels and insulation layer are mounted to the existing wall structure by mounting brackets.

Abstract: An earth coupled geo-thermal building comprising a plurality of insulated load bearing wall structures, an insulated roof structure, an insulated foundation embedded within the earth a depth sufficient to retain the geo-thermal energy thereunder, one or more energy efficient doors, and an air exchanger for providing clean air to the interior of the building. Each of the wall structures comprises a plurality of spaced-apart stud members having heat transfer resistant wall ties, interstitial blocks of self-supporting insulating material disposed between the stud members, and a surface coating material in contact with the interstitial blocks and embedding the interior and exterior members of the stud members.

Abstract: A method for building a floor in a structure, such as a house, is designed to utilize the heat stored in the earth.

Abstract: A method for building a floor in a structure, such as a house, that is designed to utilize the heat stored in the earth is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of construction of a damp-proof basement includes disposing a water-permeable palette layer on a bottom surface of the interior of the basement and spaced from an outer wall of the basement, disposing a water-impermeable vent layer over the palette layer, disposing a reinforced-concrete slab on the vent layer and spaced from the outer wall, and disposing an inner wall at a periphery of the concrete slab and spaced from the outer wall. A damp-proof basement construction includes a water-permeable palette layer, disposed on a bottom surface of the interior of the basement, spaced from an outer wall of the basement. A water-impermeable vent layer is disposed over the palette layer. A reinforced-concrete slab is disposed on the vent layer, spaced from the outer wall. An inner wall is disposed at a periphery of the concrete slab, spaced from the outer wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circular building structure which comprises a plurality of columnar structures, each of which extends from a point below ground level to a desired height above ground level and wall structures positioned between the columnar structures and forming a substantially circular exterior wall with the columnar structures. The wall structures and the columnar structures enclose a substantially circular inner space. The building structure further includes a central hub positioned above the inner space. A plurality of trusses for supporting a roof are provided. Each of the trusses is joined to a respective one of the columnar structures and to the central hub. The inner space is divided into a perimetric space and an interior space by an interior wall which is concentric with the exterior wall. The perimetric space, in a preferred construction, is divided by walls into at least one passageway and a number of rooms.

Abstract: A first hollow block is placed over or next to a second hollow block. Both blocks are filled with soil so that the roots of plants that are planted in the blocks are permitted to grow through openings of the blocks to interconnect the blocks, the roots and the existing ground.