Abstract: A gabion includes panels of metal meshes that can be assembled so as to form a casing for receiving a bulk of filler material such as pebbles, natural rock fragments, wood chips or the like and/or a mixture of said materials. The gabion further includes at least one flexible sealed pouch provided with gripping members and configured to be inserted between the assembled panels.

Abstract: A method of removing accumulated frozen rain/ice/snow from a metal roof. The method comprising the steps of inducing vibration into the metal roof, via at least one vibration imparting member attached to the metal roof, to break up the frozen rain/ice/snow accumulated on the metal roof and separate the frozen rain/ice/snow from the metal roof; and allowing the frozen rain/ice/snow to slide off the metal roof under an effect of gravity.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system for a building having a passive source of heat energy, a heat sink reservoir to store heat energy in, and a first heat exchange system operating a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius or less and being operatively connected to said reservoir. There is a second heat exchange system operating at a temperature of above 15 degrees Celsius which is also operatively connected to the heat sink reservoir and a thermal mass wall which is connected to the heat exchanger systems. In one aspect, the invention provides a dynamic wall having a first insulating layer on an interior surface of the wall, a thermal mass adjacent to the first insulating layer, a second insulating layer on an outside surface of the thermal mass and a heat exchanger operatively connected to said thermal mass to add or subtract heat from said thermal mass wall.

Abstract: A roof attachment assembly to be mounted on a roof substrate. The assembly comprises a plate having a substantially frustoconical protrusion, the plate defining a first surface and a second surface and including an aperture. The assembly further comprises a first membrane positioned adjacent to the first surface of the plate, a second membrane positioned adjacent to the second surface of the plate, a bracket positioned proximate the second membrane and the second surface of the plate, the bracket operable to support one or more roof-mounted fixtures, and a fastener extending through the bracket, the membranes, and the plate, the fastener operable to couple the bracket, the membranes and the plate. The assembly also comprises a second fastener that substantially mates with the bracket, wherein at least one of the fastener, the plate, the first membrane, and the second fastener includes at least one pre-determined breaking point.

Abstract: One or more devices for being received within a downspout of a rain gutter assembly are provided. The one or more devices may be provided for collecting rainwater flowing through the gutter assembly. One or more collection tanks for storing collected rainwater are also provided. One or more accessory devices for use with the one or more collector devices and the one or more storage tanks are also provided.

Abstract: A retail kiosk includes a product fulfillment portion and a product display portion. The product fulfillment portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The product display portion includes a cylindrical shell having an end with a continuous, circular edge. The continuous, circular edge of the product fulfillment portion is out of alignment with the continuous, circular edge of the product display portion when the retail kiosk is deployed.

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: Tower sections for towers of wind turbines and methods for installing towers of wind turbines are disclosed. A tower includes a preassembled power module having a first cross-sectional area. The tower section includes a wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a tower interior and has a first diameter. The tower section further includes a tower flange extending from the wall into the tower interior and having a second diameter less than the first diameter. Further, the tower section includes a platform assembly affixed to the wall and having a third diameter greater than the second diameter. The platform assembly defines an aperture having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area.

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: The present invention relates to pre-manufactured utility walls that may be readily adapted for use in multi-story building construction. The present invention efficiently and conveniently consolidates utility components typically found in residential, institutional and/or commercial settings into a pre-manufactured, preassembled and, optionally, pre-bundled component at a site other than the building site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tile for a roof or the like comprising a tile body with at least one vacuumed closed space to provide the tile with a thermal insulation barrier for the maintenance of a more stable temperature within an internal roof area. The tile body is manufactured from recycled glass and preferably is formed as foam glass containing a plurality of vacuum containing bubbles. The tile also comprises at least one energy recovery means such as heat absorbing aluminium wafers to provide for heat transfer through conductivity into a hot water supply or voltaic cells to provide for electricity generation. Light is focused onto the energy recovery device by a profiled translucent cover. These and other variations provide for a roof tile which is environmentally friendly, easy to install with improved thermal, energy efficient and sound-proofing qualities.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module ground mounting system can include a collapsible photovoltaic module mounting assembly framework.

Abstract: A light-conducting component, in particular finished concrete part in the form of a masonry brick, for constructions and building. The component is produced in a casting mold by casting into at least one casting building material and the optical waveguide is made of a light-conducting building material, e.g. PMMA polymer or glass, which is accessible at at least two positions on the outer surface of the light-conducting component for the input of light and output of light. The optical waveguide is configured as a self-supporting 2D or 3D lattice body composed of rods having a thickness/diameter of greater than 1 mm. The self-supporting 2D or 3D lattice body has approximately the same or an only slightly smaller width (W), or length (L), or base dimensions (W, L), or total external dimensions (W, L, H) than the casting mold itself.

Abstract: A laminate tape that has a bottom layer of aggressive adhesive formulated to have sufficient adhesion to construction materials to as low as 20 degrees F. The adhesive is applied in a layer of about 2 to 5 mils. A second layer that is about 10 to 60 mils thick is made of rubberized asphalt, which provides self-sealing capabilities. In one embodiment, the first layer has strips of adhesive and sections of rubberized asphalt. The third layer is a film, which can be a thin, contiguous polymer, fabric or particulate. The laminate can be used where a strong adhesive is needed that will adhere to construction materials at or near 20 degrees Fahrenheit, while still retaining self-sealing characteristics.

Abstract: Manufacture process scientific formula mechanically refined and nanoparticle dispersion preform slurry non ionic or electrolyte carbon nanofoam CNFs with or without ionic suspension elements manufactured, Preform slurry high wear-heat resistant parts electronic component composite coils, composite windings, drawn, annealing, spun, coils, windings, wire, woven textile mesh, shielding, brushes, inductors, antinode couplers, electric rheostats, starters, motors, alternators, generators, ionic suspension element enhanced composite coils, composite windings, drawn, annealing, spun, coils, windings, wire, woven textile mesh, shielding, brushes, capacitors, battery cells, rheostats, electronic resistors, transformers, transducers, rectifiers, power supplies, or heat sinks, Preform slurry carbon nanofoam CNFs extrusion high wear-heat resistant parts aerospace, automotive, and transportation brake calipers, rotors, pads, washers, spacers, and bushings, Preform slurry carbon nanofoam CNFs extrusion high wear-heat resis

Abstract: A new system of building construction, technology and methods for making the skin complex of a building as elements on a roof or façade of which solar panels/systems are a part are disclosed.

Abstract: A selectively releasable ground securing device that includes a ground member, a clamp body, and a lock assembly that selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body relative thereto. The ground member includes a drivable body that is constructed to be driven into a ground surface such that the ground member is generally flush with the upper layer of the ground surface. The lock assembly selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body and structure engaged therewith relative to the ground member. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp body cooperates with a rail of a goal assembly to prevent tipping or movement of the goal assembly when the lock assembly is engaged with the ground member.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus for an incapacitated person or ostomy patient having a urine draining device or stoma respectively, the apparatus comprising a conduit (14) having a first end having connection means suitable to attach to the urine draining device or stoma of the person or patient and a second end connected to a sewer/drainage system (20) of a dwelling (8). Such dwellings may include commercial and domestic buildings, caravans and motor homes and a portion of the conduit may be permanent in such a dwelling.

Abstract: A plurality of pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tile. Each pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the pan tiles and a heat dissipating assembly and/or a stabilizing assembly may also be included.

Abstract: A prefabricated ribbed panel for installation either in a horizontal, vertical or inclined condition, characterized in that said panel comprises a caisson block (1) made of an inert insulating material, defining a plurality of recesses (2) for housing therein a longitudinal reinforcement structure (10) which can be embedded in a first concrete casting (11) made at a concrete casting shop; a first finishing slab floor (13) with an electrowelded network (15) at panel joining regions being moreover provided.

Abstract: A hail strike recording device is operable to provide quantifiable information about a hail storm event experienced by a roof. The recording device is operable to be installed on a roof and includes a panel component and a mounting assembly. The panel component presents a hail impact zone to sense one or more hail strikes, with the recording device operable to provide recorded data associated with the sensed one or more hail strikes.

Abstract: A dance floor and a method of assembly of the dance floor are disclosed. The dance floor contains a plurality of interconnecting frames, each containing intersecting elongated panels, trim panels, wiring embedded inside channels disposed on the bottom of the elongated panels that are connected to electrical connectors, electrical receptors and ribbon lights. An electrical controller produces a chase pattern where strings of adjacent light bulbs cycle on and off to give the illusion of lights moving along the string. The dance floor is manufactured of lightweight materials and is configured for easy in situ assembly, installation and disassembly.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an article, the article comprising: a material, which adjusts at least one surface property in response to a climate condition to affect energy exchange between the exterior and the interior of the article. Another embodiment provides a structure, comprising: a building facade envelope, comprising a material: wherein the envelope adjusts at least one surface property in response to a climate condition, to affect energy exchange between the exterior and the interior of the envelope.

Abstract: A data centre (100) includes at least one rack room (in for example module 140) having a floor and a plurality of rack storage areas on the floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a plurality of racks (143) in which a plurality of rack-mountable electronic components may be housed, one or more controllable air circulation systems (in for example module 122), one or more cold aisles (144) in the rack room, each cold aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area, and one or more hot aisles (145) in the rack room, each hot aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area. There may be a large air duct, in the form of a personnel corridor (123), for transporting, under the control of the one or more air circulation systems, cooling air, above the floor, to the one or more cold aisles. The air supply corridor/duct (123) may have a height greater than 1.5 m above the floor and a cross-sectional area of at least 2 m2 and a maximum dimension in the plane of the cross-section of less than 3 m.

Abstract: A modular roofing system includes a lower set of co-adjacent rectangular panels locked together by an upper set of co-adjacent hexagonal tiles made from a light-weight rigid urethane foam material coated with a durable outer layer of non-foam polyurethane plastic. The tiles can carry photovoltaic cells that interconnect at opposite ends to adjacent tiles. The cells can be replaced on the existing installed tiles using an aligned locking structure for aligning electrical contacts and sealing the cells. Length adjustable modular gutter tiles terminate an array of tiles along a lower roof edge.

Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.

Abstract: A portable pathway apparatus for providing a path over an earthen surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers; a row of mating holes disposed on each side of the pliable frame member; a set of independently adjustable steps coupled to the pliable frame member in a first orientation direction; wherein each independently adjustable step comprises an adjustment mechanism, and wherein each independently adjustable step is coupled to the pliable frame member with a mount that aligns with the row of mating holes on each of the corresponding sides of the pliable frame member, whereby each of the independently adjustable steps is also movable along a length of the pliable frame member.

Abstract: A solar panel cap and light cap can be secured to a wall or parapet through the use of a common bracket. The bracket includes two vertical extensions on either side of a locking channel. The locking channel is configured to permanently receive a matching end, such that the matching end cannot come out of the locking channel once installed. Both the solar panel cap and light cap include the matching end. The solar panel caps and light caps are configured to connect to an adjacent cap such that they are electrically coupled. Either the solar panel caps or light caps can include a rechargeable battery such that energy stored during daylight hours can be used during the night.

Abstract: A swimming pool safety coping element (5, 40) comprising a first portion (110) formed of the group of polyurethane, epoxy, latex, block copolymer, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam and glass reinforced plastic (GRP); a display layer (121); and a second portion (120), disposed on the first portion (110) and the display layer (121), comprising a Low Surface Energy material. The display layer (121) may include an LED arrangement (202) to improve visibility and safety.

Abstract: The roof reflector provides selectively deployable and retractable devices for installation over the roof of a building structure to reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted to the roof proper. The roof reflector may include a thick roll of insulating material that may be unrolled to cover the roof or rolled up for storage. Alternatively, the roof reflector may have a plurality of rigid panels hinged together to extend over the roof or to fold over one another for storage. Yet another alternative is a plurality of rigid panels that telescope into one another for storage. Still another alternative includes a plurality of laterally disposed slats that may be opened and closed in the manner of Venetian blinds. The roof reflector is remotely operated, either mechanically by a hand crank and cable mechanism, or electronically by a remote signal operating an electric motor.

Abstract: A clamp has a body, a wedged channel nut, and a bolt. The body has a first component extending from the body and configured to engage a module and a second component having a tapered body surface. The wedged channel nut has a first flange and a second flange extending from opposing sides of the nut and configured to engage a rail and a tapered nut surface having an angle substantially identical to the angle of the tapered body surface of the second component, wherein the tapered nut surface engages the tapered body surface. A bolt extends through the wedged channel nut and the body. When the bolt is tightened, the nut and the body secure the module and rail together.

Abstract: A solar cell module having a solar cell panel with strings of electrically-coupled solar cells arranged in a row includes one or more lead wires that electrically couple the strings and a junction box. The one or more lead wires are arranged such that they do not overlap with each other and such that one or more of the lead wires includes a portion that overlaps and does not electrically connect to interconnector of a string. The lead wires include an interconnector connection part connected to a respective string interconnector, and the interconnector connection parts of the lead wires are arranged in a straight line.

Abstract: Example safety barrier systems for vehicle loading docks comprise a retractable flexible barrier with a special powered latching mechanism that locks the barrier in place and prevents it from being retracted under certain hazardous dock conditions. In some examples, the barrier cannot be retracted when there is no vehicle at the dock while the dock's door is open. In some examples, an alarm is energized when concurrently the door is open, the barrier is retracted and there is no vehicle at the dock.

Abstract: A method and a system for transferring a person and the person's carry-on items from a site upstream of a security check point to a site downstream of the security check point comprises loading the person's carry-on items onto a trolley at the upstream site, separating the person from the trolley at the upstream site, and subsequently x-raying the trolley at the security check point while the carry-on items remain loaded onto the trolley, and while a security check of the person is performed. Subsequently, the person and the trolley are united, while the carry-on items remain loaded onto the trolley. The trolley may be made from non-metallic material, such as plastics composite materials, and may optionally comprise a display monitor for displaying user-specific information. The invention is particularly useful for promoting security checks at airports.

Abstract: An aisle containment system is provided. The aisle containment system includes a pair of wall beams suspended from a ceiling, a pair of floor tracks positioned beneath the wall beams and secured to a floor, and at least one blanking panel secured to one of the wall beams and one of the floor tracks.

Abstract: A selectively releasable ground securing device that includes a ground member, a clamp body, and a lock assembly that selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body relative thereto. The ground member includes a drivable body that is constructed to be driven into a ground surface such that the ground member is generally flush with the upper layer of the ground surface. The lock assembly selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body and structure engaged therewith relative to the ground member. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp body cooperates with a rail of a goal assembly to prevent tipping or movement of the goal assembly when the lock assembly is engaged with the ground member.

Abstract: A facade element for heat-insulation purposes has at least two parallel panels (101, 102), a cavity (103), which is formed between these two panels (101, 102) and has fluid flowing through it, and at least one inlet (13), for feeding a radiation-absorbing fluid, and at least one outlet (13?), for discharging the fluid. The inlet (13) is arranged on a first side of the panels (101, 102) and the outlet (13?) is arranged on an opposite, second side of the panels (101, 102). The at least one inlet (13) and the cavity (103) have arranged between them a first flow distributor (14), which extends for distribution along the length of the first side. This facade element makes straightforward and cost-effective industrial production possible.

Abstract: A turbulence-creating device is mounted to the roof, such that high winds flowing across the roof are caused to become turbulent, thereby interfering with the laminar flow and lift which would otherwise be created. The turbulence-creating devices comprise generally V-shaped or curved spoilers, many of which are pivotally mounted to a vertical mast attached to the roof such that the spoilers face in the direction of the oncoming wind and are shaped to disturb the laminar flow, thereby preventing lift from being generated. In some embodiments, fixed omnidirectional spoilers with curved sides are provided.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling panel system includes a grid system that includes a main beam and a cross beam. The suspended panel system also includes a panel which includes a grid molding and a trim molding. The grid molding is disposed upon at least one of the main beam and the cross beam of the grid system. The trim molding is attached to the grid molding such that a portion of the main beam or the cross beam is disposed between the trim molding and the grid molding.

Abstract: A concrete wall with optical fibers display device comprises a concrete wall having plurality outer surfaces for display purpose, multiples optical fibers are embedded within the concrete wall for guiding light from one surface to another, and said optical fibers are arranged in a matrix fashion with each optical fibers is spaced by a predetermined space to form a figure or characters, a projecting device placed away from the concrete wall by a predetermined distance as light source, and a layer is painted onto the whole outer surfaces of the concrete wall for reinforcing the junction portion where the tip of optical fibers with the surfaces of the concrete wall.

Abstract: A panel and panel systems are described herein and can include a rigid panel that includes a plurality of apertures and an undulating pattern. The panel acts to block sunlight and may otherwise protect the area behind the panel. In an example, the panel is fixed in a spaced apart relation to a building. The panel or panels block a portion of the direct sunlight to assist in the environmental control of the building. The panel can be strong enough to further protect the building from weather damage or other damage.

Abstract: Evacuation system applicable to buildings, in particular the upper floors of high-rise buildings. The evacuation system presents a series of characteristics intended to provide the necessary means for occupants of the upper floors to step away horizontally from the façade or wall of the building and jump out using a parachute, thereby increasing the chances of survival in an emergency evacuation.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a raised access floor having electromagnetic shielding capability. The access floor is made of a metallic material. The access floor includes a load-bearing member and a shielding member interconnected to each other. The access floor of the instant disclosure can further include a load-bearing member made of a material having electromagnetic shielding and load-bearing capabilities.

Abstract: A decking system is made up of a variety of decking boards and other components are disclosed. In some aspects, the decking boards are connectable to each other so that adjacent boards will provide a water barrier and a drainage channel. Some versions of the boards may have a hollow region to accept the provision of heating elements or other accessory structures. A connector piece is disclosed in various embodiments span the gap between the butt ends of the boards to provide a water barrier at the butt ends of the boards. A gutter and downspout system is disclosed, as well as structures for protecting the ends or sides of the deck structure.

Abstract: A floor type multi-display apparatus includes a multi-display, transparent panels, and a plurality of support members. The multi-display includes a plurality of displays. The support members include first support members disposed between adjacent ones of the displays in a scattered fashion, and second support members disposed around the multi-display. The support members have respective plate portions positioned along and closely to edges of the displays. The support portion and the base portion of each of the first support members project toward two displays located closely thereto from the plate portion of the first support member. The support portion and the base portion of each of the second support members project toward only one display located closely thereto from the plate portion of the second support member.

Abstract: A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve.

Abstract: A door frame with and threshold for mounting optional latch strikes, lock strikes and blank covers in the same door frame. The door jamb includes cut-outs and a reinforcement with depressed center portions opposite the cut-outs for attaching matching strikes of optional latches and locks. The shapes of the cut-outs, reinforcement and matching strikes cooperate in a manner which allow the same door frame to be used with existing latches and locks. The improved threshold eliminates the failures of seals in vertical gap in current thresholds because of temperature changes and persons stepping on thresholds.

Abstract: A freestanding storage station includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel side members and a roof that is supported by the side members. Each side member includes a cross bar, and at least one saddle-shaped, hollow ballast-receiving member that straddles the cross bar and rests on the ground. When filled with ballast, the ballast-receiving members serve to stabilize the storage station relative to the ground and enable the storage station to resist movement due to environmental winds or collision. The ballast-receiving members include a first ballast-receiving portion and a second ballast-receiving portion, and the ballast member straddles the cross bar such that the first ballast-receiving portion resides on an interior-facing side of the cross bar and the second ballast-receiving portion resides on an exterior-facing side of the cross bar.

Abstract: A method comprises forming a generally u-shaped bend in flashing, installing the flashing on a roof between converging surfaces of the roof, and with a clamp comprising an attachment portion having two sections spaced apart by a gap, attaching the clamp to the bend of the flashing by positioning the bend in the gap between the two spaced apart sections and biasing at least of the sections against the bend. The heating cable may then be secured to the clamp.

Abstract: A system includes a portable transformer repair station that includes a portable building. The portable building includes a framework, a roof, and walls having a disassembled building configuration and an assembled building configuration. The portable building is configured to be transported in the disassembled building configuration. The portable building is configured to enclose a transformer repair space in the assembled building configuration. The portable transformer repair station also includes a portable floor having a disassembled floor configuration and an assembled floor configuration. The portable floor is configured to be transported in the disassembled floor configuration. The portable floor is configured to be disposed within the portable building in the assembled floor configuration. The portable transformer repair station also includes a portable oven configured to be disposed within the portable building.