Abstract: A composite structural board having a structural board and a water-resistant barrier (WRB) sheet, and a wall system comprising same, wherein a face of the structural board is discontinuously attached to the inner face of the WRB sheet solely by a first adhesive, the WRB sheet fully covering the face of the structural board; wherein the unattached areas between the face of the structural board and the inner face of the WRB sheet define paths by which a liquid can move between the face of the structural board and the inner face of the WRB sheet; in some instances the WRB sheet material extends beyond at least one edge of the structural board forming a WRB sheet flap.

Abstract: A process for covering, protecting and providing access to mate lines during building construction comprising the steps of preparing a vertical and horizontal mate line closure flap, carrying out a vertical and horizontal mate line access process, carrying out a vertical and horizontal mate line closing process, repeating the vertical and horizontal mate line access and closing processes as required, and carrying out a vertical and horizontal mate line sealing process to complete the building weatherization.

Abstract: A novel impulse damper for reducing extreme vibrational events, in particular, in tall, narrow structures such as wind turbines. The impulse damper, according to the invention, operates on the impact-damping principle and is particularly suitable for damping the second natural frequency of the installation, preferably of the tower of a wind turbine.

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle wing element, wherein the wing element is moveably arranged between an open position and a closed position relative to a vehicle main structure. The heating system includes a heating element at a contact surface between the wing element and the main structure and a control unit for activating the heating element. The system further includes a wing element handle sensor and a wing element latch switch. The switch is operatively connected to the control unit for sending a signal indicative of its state to the control unit. The control unit is arranged to send an activation signal to the heating element when the control unit receives a signal from the wing element handle sensor that the handle is being pulled and a signal from the wing element latch switch that the wing element is closed.

Abstract: A storage tank apparatus and a method for determining a bottom plate health for the apparatus is disclosed. A storage tank apparatus includes a tank foundation having a bottom plate support surface and at least one foundation tube housed inside at least one foundation channel, a bottom plate, a tank shell, at least one shell tube, at least one foundation inspection window, at least one shell inspection window and testing equipment that is operatively connected to the foundation tube and shell tube. A method for determining a bottom plate health for a storage tank apparatus includes operatively connecting the testing equipment to the foundation tube and shell tube, measuring a first and a second level of corrosion respectively, accessing the testing equipment by a computer processor, storing the first and second level of corrosion and determining the bottom plate health while the storage tank apparatus is in service.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular wall including a base and a support structure. The support structure is secured to the base with retractable supports. The support structure may be removed from the base, allowing a user to easily move the wall in separate parts. Furthermore, the modular wall includes a decorative panel held up by the support structure. The decorative panel may have flowers attached creating a wall of flowers, or a painted-on decoration. More than one modular wall may be used together to create a wider decorative wall.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly implements a stabilized fastener matrix which functions to stabilize the fastener connection with a roof. In one embodiment, a base has a one-piece construction with angularly spaced stepped bores. Roofing fasteners each having a flat head are receivable in the bores and securable therein. Plugs each having a flat lower surface are threadably engageable in the threaded bore wherein the flat lower surface of the plug engages the flat head of the fastener. In a second embodiment, the base has a two-part construction comprising a bottom plate and a top plate. The bottom plate has a plurality of arcuate slots which are angularly spaced from one another. Elongated fasteners are received in the slots. A top plate has a crown and a connector projects from the crown. The top plate mounts onto the bottom plate to provide a stabilized connection with the roof. The mount assemblies are also efficiently sealable with the adjoining roof.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a secure safe apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a base and a bollard. The bollard comprises a first portion and a second portion manufactured as a single vertical member. The first portion is of sufficient length to extend below a bottom surface of the base into ground at a site where the secure safe apparatus is set. The second portion is of sufficient length to extend through a thickness of the base and above a top surface of the base. The second portion is adapted to be inserted through an aperture in a floor of a safe and affixed to an interior beam manufactured within an inside of the safe to affix the second portion to the beam.

Abstract: A solar energy harvesting assembly having a unique attachment that can be arranged, mounted, moved and attached to new or existing structures. Solar rings are mounted on any vertical structure that may benefit from solar power using an aesthetically pleasing design that is resistant to wind load. The assembly does not require the need for pitch, azimuth or bearing measurements. The assembly is also capable of energy harvesting from reflected light below with the use of bifacial photovoltaic panels. The mounting design allows the solar energy harvest device to be installed on any vertical structure, including light poles, power poles, parking structures and other minimal load bearing structures. Further, the assembly can be attached to water towers, existing radio towers (guyed, monopole, stealth, self-supporting towers) all used to create vast amounts of unshaded vertical space for solar energy harvesting.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for using photosynthetic biomass to purify water, reduce indoor air pollution, remove greenhouse gases including CO2 from outdoor atmospheric air, and produce biofuel, food products, and fertilizer are provided herein. Also provided herein are systems and methods for enhancing growth of a photosynthetic biomass in a greenhouse.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: A process for covering, protecting and providing access to mate lines during building construction comprising the steps of preparing a vertical and horizontal mate line closure flap, carrying out a vertical and horizontal mate line access process, carrying out a vertical and horizontal mate line closing process, repeating the vertical and horizontal mate line access and closing processes as required, and carrying out a vertical and horizontal mate line sealing process to complete the building weatherization.

Abstract: A multifunction adaptive whole house fan system can include a whole house fan to pull large volume of air through a building structure. The whole house fan can pull air from a window or damper into the building structure and expel air through an attic. The system can monitor the environment to operate the whole house fan when desired conditions are present in coordination with other systems of the building structure to reduce overall energy consumption.

Abstract: An enclosure disposed in an ambient environment can include at least one wall that forms a cavity. The enclosure can also include at least one electrical device disposed within the cavity. The enclosure can further include at least one illuminated viewing system disposed in the at least one wall. The at least one illuminated viewing system can include a window disposed in the at least one wall. The at least one illuminated viewing system can also include at least one light source assembly that directs light within the cavity in which the at least one electrical device is disposed.

Abstract: A wind mitigation device includes one or more posts extending upward from the roof of a building and having a cross-sectional shape of an airfoil. The airfoil posts may be aligned in the same direction, or all facing outward along the periphery. The airfoil posts may be of the same or differing sizes. The amount of force holding a roof down generated by a plurality of airfoil posts is correlated with the total surface area of the entire airfoil post system.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively viewing a projection includes a first pane having a top margin and a bottom margin, an angled panel having a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein one of the top edge and the bottom edge is situated proximate the first pane; and a projector configured to project onto one of the first pane and the angled panel. The first pane and the angled panel are spatially connected by a rim at the top and bottom margins of the first pane and the top and bottom edges of the angled panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle maintenance dock including: a work space provided to elongate in a first direction, and formed to be dug in a predetermined depth with respect to a ground surface, and is provided to have an opened upper surface; and a plurality of vehicle support modules provided to shield one side of the opened upper surface of the work space and guiding a maintenance target vehicle to enter in a second direction inclined to the first direction and provided so that a maintenance target area of the maintenance target vehicle is exposed to the work space and continuously arranged in the first direction and arranged to be parallel to each other.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: A hot/cold aisle air containment system includes a frame structure, at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed at least partially within the frame structure, and a header panel assembly. The frame structure adapted to be at least partially covered by one or more panels to define an interior space and includes at least one horizontal member. The header panel assembly is installed between a top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the at least one horizontal member of the frame structure to prevent circulation of air above the enclosure. The header panel assembly includes a pair of panels. A first of the pair of panels is adjustable horizontally relative to a second of the pair of panels, and the pair of panels, together, are adjustable vertically relative to the least one horizontal member.

Abstract: Solar panel installation systems are disclosed that reduce or eliminate the need for large, costly rails for mounting solar panels on an installation surface. The systems may include an array of framed solar modules supported above an installation surface using a number of height-adjustable base members. Adjacent solar modules in the array may be coupled to one another at or near their corners using module links that can structurally couple the frames of the adjacent solar modules together.

Abstract: A hot/cold aisle air containment system includes a frame structure, at least one electronic equipment enclosure installed at least partially within the frame structure, and a header panel assembly. The frame structure adapted to be at least partially covered by one or more panels to define an interior space and includes at least one horizontal member. The header panel assembly is installed between a top of the at least one electronic equipment enclosure and the at least one horizontal member of the frame structure to prevent circulation of air above the enclosure. The header panel assembly includes a pair of panels. A first of the pair of panels is adjustable horizontally relative to a second of the pair of panels, and the pair of panels, together, are adjustable vertically relative to the least one horizontal member.

Abstract: A thermally-broken ornamental door includes a thermally-broken door and a thermally-broken jamb through which thermal transfer is greatly minimized. The thermally-broken door includes an outer panel and an inner panel that are minimally connected through a plurality of door bridging strips. The thermally-broken jamb includes an outer jamb frame and an inner jamb frame that are minimally connected through a plurality of jamb bridging strips. An insulating foam panel is present between the outer panel and the inner panel while an insulating foam core is present between the outer jamb frame and the inner jamb frame. A window assembly is hingedly mounted into the thermally-broken door and includes a retaining spacer frame that minimizes thermal transfer from an exterior environment to an inner window frame through a glass panel of the window assembly. The retaining spacer frame additionally provides structural support to the glass panel.

Abstract: A mounting system for supporting a plurality of photovoltaic modules on a sloped support surface, such as a sloped roof, is disclosed herein. The mounting system may include one or more support surface attachment devices, each support surface attachment device configured to attach one or more photovoltaic modules to a support surface; and one or more module coupling devices, each module coupling device configured to couple a plurality of photovoltaic modules to one another.

Abstract: Various methods and systems for protecting humans as well as individual objects from tornadoes and other naturally occurring dynamic atmospheric vortex structures are described. Active protective systems interact with such vortex structures leading to destabilization and destruction of the vortex structures. The energy required for the destabilization and destruction of the vortex structure is taken from the energy from the vortex structure itself. The method requires no external energy sources for destabilization and destruction of vortex structures such as tornadoes.

Abstract: A solar module has a plurality of solar panels framed within a frame member having side frame members connected to end frame members. Each side frame member and end frame member have a groove and a channel, and side frame members also have an elongated flange that raises up the solar panel a distance to allow cooling air to pass under the solar panel. Framed solar panels are connected to lengthwise support members having top, bottom and side channels, such as T-slots. These channels allow for easy adjustment and compensates for variability in the installation process. Each solar panel is connected to the lengthwise support members by way of legs. To connect adjacent solar panels to the lengthwise support members, a pair of legs, one long leg and one short leg, are stacked on top of one another and fastened to the lengthwise support member.

Abstract: A window assembly includes an outer window panel, an inner window panel, a conductive layer disposed at an inner surface of the inner window panel, a spacer element, and a roller shade disposed within an interpane cavity established between the inner and outer window panels by the spacer element. The roller shade has an end fixedly attached at an anchor stop along a perimeter portion of the spacer element. A dielectric layer is disposed between the roller shade and the conductive layer. The roller shade is electrically deployable to coil and uncoil between a coiled light transmitting condition and an at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition. The roller shade is electrically operable via applying a voltage at the transparent conductive layer and at the anchor stop to uncoil the roller shade from the coiled light transmitting condition to the at least partially uncoiled light attenuating condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof on top of the roofing elements; and a wire covering disposed over the one or more wires.

Abstract: A fenestration assembly is described. The fenestration assembly includes: (1) a layer of film; (2) a frame having a first surface and a second surface, which is opposite to the first surface, the first surface substantially surrounding and having secured thereon the film and the frame having a thickness such that when the second side is fitted onto a window or a window frame, the thickness of the frame defines a space between the film and the window; and (3) wherein said film is a low-emittance film having an emissivity equal to or less than 0.35.

Abstract: A plurality of support structures that may be secured to a surface and may support panels, such as solar modules. The support structures may include a first side that forms a channel and a second side that forms a support flange. A first edge of a panel may be placed within the channel and a second opposing edge of the panel may be secured to the support flange.

Abstract: A solar panel rack may comprise one or more sheet metal brackets configured to attach solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may include clinching tabs configured to be clinched to features on the solar panels to attach the solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may further include protrusions configured to facilitate electrical contact between the brackets and the solar panels when the clinching tabs are clinched to features on the solar panels. The sheet metal brackets may additionally or alternatively include positioning tabs configured to contact features on the solar panels to position the solar panels in desired locations on the solar panel rack.

Abstract: A sound attenuating covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a frame, a first shade, and a second shade. The frame may include opposing side members, each defining an opposing channel extending along at least a portion of the side member. The first shade may be positioned forward of the frame and may define a plurality of horizontally-extending, transversely-collapsible cells. The second shade may be positioned rearward of the first shade and may be slidably received within the channels of the side members. The first and second shades may be operably coupled to a roller and may move in conjunction with one another across the architectural opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inorganic board comprising a base layer containing magnesium-based inorganic materials and phase change materials, and to a method for producing the board. The inorganic board of the present invention employs magnesium-based inorganic materials instead of plaster used in conventional boards, and thus improves the strength and water resistance thereof as compared to conventional plaster boards. Accordingly, the board of the present invention is formed so as to be thin, and the content of the phase change materials in the base layer increases by the superior blending ratio of magnesium-based inorganic materials and phase change materials, thus maintaining the indoor temperature of the structure constructed by the board of the present invention at a comfortable level. Therefore, the inorganic board of the present invention can be effectively used in interior materials or the like for a building, which require strength and water resistance properties.

Abstract: A roof vent for supporting a solar panel is provided. The roof vent includes a vent member and a solar panel support element. The vent member is sized and shaped to mimic the appearance of a roof cover element. The vent member includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion separated from the lower portion by a gap. The solar panel support element is attached to the vent member.

Abstract: A concrete roof tile having a panel-shaped base body made from cast material, is characterized in that the base body is furnished with at least two holes in which wires are routed. This facilitates the use thereof in conjunction with a solar panel. In a method for manufacturing a concrete roof tile, a clay or concrete roof tile is digitised, the model is modified in such manner that a flat surface is created on an upper side thereof to enable a solar module to be mounted thereon, a mould is prepared from the model, in which concrete roof tile base bodies are cast, and one solar module is fastened to each base body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eco-friendly structure capable of reducing strong wind pressure and a method for manufacturing the structure and, more specifically, to an eco-friendly structure capable of reducing strong wind pressure and storing rainwater and a method for manufacturing the structure, wherein: the structure is installed in order to protect various structures being used in farming and fishing villages, and fruit trees, temporary buildings or vehicles on a road, or rail and port facilities, in case of the occurrence of a typhoon or strong wind pressure; hexagonal blocks are manufactured using waste concrete (stone) and waste plastic, which are construction and industrial waste; and a plurality of the manufactured hexagonal blocks are vertically and horizontally stacked in one or two rows in order to protect from a typhoon and strong wind pressure.

Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a room dividing element, especially for use in open-plan offices. It is the object of the invention to provide a room dividing element for an open-plan office, which is able to specifically protect a cubicle from acoustic disturbances. To solve this task, there is provided a room dividing element for an open-plan office having at least one frame element that is usually positioned horizontally or vertically, which is configured as a sound absorber. Such a frame element is located at an open-end side of a separation wall of the room dividing element.

Abstract: A roofing assembly disposed on an underlying support comprising an underlayment assembly disposed in a securing relation to the underlying support. A conduit assembly is disposed on the underlayment assembly and structured to define a path of fluid flow. The path of fluid flow extends along at least a majority portion of said underlayment assembly. The conduit assembly is disposed in a single, continuous, looped relation to the underlayment assembly. A plurality of pan tiles are partially disposed in a confronting relation to the underlayment assembly. At least some of the plurality of pan tiles are partially disposed in an overlying relation to at least a portion of the conduit assembly. The plurality of pan tiles are disposed to have a predetermined spacing in between each other, which is disposed to receive at least a portion of the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A roof mounting system is mounted to roofing tile. The roof mounting system includes a first bracket portion having a first elongate portion, a first hook portion and a first leg. The first hook portion engages a first side of the roofing tile. The roof mounting system also includes a second bracket portion having a second elongate portion, a second hook portion and a second leg. The second hook portion engages a second side of the roofing tile. The roof mounting system further includes a slotted plate that connects the first and the second bracket portions by engaging the first and the second legs. The roof mounting system further includes a standoff connected to either the first bracket portion or the slotted plate. The standoff supports one or more components on the roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind deflector for use with pitched panels or structures mounted on horizontal, flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a wind deflector, including a contoured surface, for deflecting aerodynamic forces away from a pitched structure, such as a solar panel, mounted to a horizontal, flat surface, such as a roof top, wherein the structure is subjected to such aerodynamic forces. The wind deflector may further include a customized fin or fins as part of the design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing a vehicle cargo area to a loading dock. The method includes a step of providing a sealing element. The sealing element includes a mounting surface adapted to sealingly mate against a loading dock, an inner sealing surface at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, an outer sealing surface opposing the inner sealing surface and at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, and an impact-absorbing surface approximately parallel to the mounting surface. The method further includes the steps of contacting the impact-absorbing surface with a rear face of the vehicle cargo area, deforming the inner sealing surface away from the loading dock, and sealing the inner sealing surface against an inside wall of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to accessories which are attached to the support grid members of a grid framework system. The accessories are a means to insulate electrified conductors attached to the support grid members from other conductive items located proximate thereto, a management device for cables and wires, and a retention device for fixedly attaching a component to the grid framework system.

Abstract: A hotel room with furniture arranged for optimal television viewing from a bed and another location, such as a sofa or second bed. Furniture pieces are connected or closely aligned together and are arranged so that they provide premium viewing for a television, regardless of a location of a person within the hotel room. To this end, embodiments utilize furniture arrangements where the bed and/or sofa are turned at an angle to the walls of the room, and the room is laid out efficiently to account for this different design affect.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing. The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: A reconfigurable space system and components therefore which can be reconfigured to accommodate sleeping space, entertainment space, work space, kitchen space, dining space and various combinations thereof.

Abstract: A data center module is a data center that can be prefabricated using generally standardized off-the-shelf components, and quickly assembled on a collocation site where a shared central facility is provided. The data center module is typically configured to be deployed with other identical data center modules around the central facility both in side-to-side and/or in back-to-back juxtapositions, typically without the need for interleaving space between adjacent modules in order to maximize real estate use. Each data center module typically comprises harden party walls, several floors for accommodating all the necessary electrical and cooling subsystems and for accommodating all the computing machinery (e.g. servers). Though all the data center modules share similar physical configuration, each data center module can be independently customized and operated to accommodate different needs.

Abstract: A pre-assembled tower base assembly for a wind turbine configured for transportation to a wind turbine site is disclosed. The tower base assembly includes a tubular side wall defining an internal volume, a first flange portion at a first end of the tubular side wall, a second flange portion at a second end opposite the first end, and a down-tower electrical assembly installed within the internal volume of the tubular side wall. The first flange portion is configured to couple to a foundation. The second flange portion is configured to couple to a tower section. Further, the first and second flanges define a maximum longitudinal extension therebetween. The maximum longitudinal extension is a maximum height permitted for rail or truck transport. As such, the tower base assembly is configured for transportation in an upright position to a wind turbine site with the down-tower electrical assembly pre-assembled within the internal volume.

Abstract: An air mixing system includes a building superstructure having an open space therein and an attic. An air mixing unit mounted to the ceiling draws air from the open space and the attic, mixes the air and discharges the mixed air outwards from the fan.

Abstract: An insulation element and a structural system including such an element, wherein the insulation element includes: pedestals, the top surface of which is suitable for bearing a floor panel to be placed on top of the pedestals; and a substantially continuous surface between the pedestals. The continuous surface and the pedestals are fabricated in one piece in the same process from at least one heat insulating material. The mutual layout of the pedestals and the continuous surface is implemented in such a way that onto the substantially continuous surface, through spaces between the pedestals, at least on top of the substantially continuous surface can be pulled installation cables and, in addition, possibly also installation hoses or tubes across the support foundation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building panel. The building panel includes a core including first geopolymer concrete. One or more protective layers are located adjacent the core. Each protective layer includes second geopolymer concrete of greater density than the first geopolymer concrete. In one embodiment, passages are defined along which air can move within the core.