Abstract: Roof clamps and methods of securing roof clamps are provided. The roof clamps include a saddle, a wedge, and a securing member. The securing member facilitates engaging a seam of a roof with the clamp and removably fixing the roof clamp to the seam through the camming action of the wedge against a region of the saddle. The securing member also serves as the connection point for an auxiliary item, such as a solar panel or a snow guard. The placement of the securing member allows the roof clamp to be secured from, and the auxiliary item to be attached at, a top surface of the saddle.

Abstract: A cover plate system for a gap (15) between two structural members (10, 20) is provided. The system includes an elongated cover (30) that extends across the gap (15) from a first structural member (10) to a second, spaced-apart structural member (20). The cover plate system further includes damped spring anchors (40) for engaging the cover plate (30) to an underlying structural member (10) and dampers (50, 60) for absorbing energy imparted to the cover plate (30) by vehicular traffic. The cover plate system minimizes the strain energy that is absorbed by the cover plate (30), which results in less cover plate slapping and bouncing during operation.

Abstract: This loading bay comprises a hinged ramp to form a passage between the warehouse and the container of the truck, a lateral and upper shelter, a hinged platform, located at a level below the hinged ramp and associated with actuating means, movable frontal stops, assembled on the front end of the platform and that form contact means for the trailer or container of the truck when it is approaching the loading bay, means for detecting the position of the frontal stops that activate the luminous signal means to issue different luminous messages depending on the movement of the frontal stops and longitudinal movement means of the frontal stops to move them away from the container of the truck once it is stationary in the loading bay.

Abstract: A wire tensioner includes one or more rods configured to separately support one or more wires withdrawn from a structure and introduce a tensile force to be imparted to the wires; a fluid pressure provider configured to provide fluid pressure to the plurality of rods in order to allow the rods to exhibit the tensile force, and a fluid controller connected at one side thereof to each of the rods and connected at the other side thereof to the fluid pressure provider, and configured to selectively interrupt fluid pressure provided to the plurality of rods to control the operation of the respective rods separately.

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: An alternative energy structure is disclosed, defined by an upper section and a lower section, wherein at least part of the upper section is solar transparent. A panel track traverses the upper section and a counterweight track traverses the lower section. The tracks are non-horizontal. A solar panel is movably connected to the panel track, and a counterweight is movably connected to the counterweight track such that the panel can traverse the upper section and the counterweight can traverse the lower section. The solar panel and the counterweight are connected to one another by a first connection mechanism and an opposite, second connection mechanism. A drive motor is connected to at least one of: the solar panel, the counterweight, the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism, to drive the solar panel from a first position to an opposite, second position to follow the sun.

Abstract: A shingle has a color changing outer surface. The color changing outer surface can have a first color under a first environmental condition and a second color under a second environmental condition. The color changing outer surface is capable of both changing from the first color to the second color and from the second color to the first color. Methods using the shingles for reducing energy absorption and for producing an image or pattern are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floorboard for a reconfigurable floorboard system may include a substantially trapezoid shaped plate. An interlocking feature may be formed proximate an edge of at least three sides of the plate for interlocking with adjacent floorboards. Each interlocking feature may be formed to interlock with a mating interlocking feature formed at an edge of a side of at least one adjacent floorboard. A notch may be formed on an underside of the plate proximate each corner of the plate to contact a member of a floor grid to prevent movement of the floorboard.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A solar panel overlay for mounting on an underlying roof deck comprises a substrate and at least one row of photovoltaic cells on the substrate. The photovoltaic cells define a solar collecting surface having an appearance mimicking that of the underlying roof deck. A solar panel overlay assembly comprising a plurality of interconnect solar panel overlays is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable dwellings, rooms, and patient monitoring systems for promoting an independent living or assisted living environment. More particularly, the present invention relates to strong, portable housing equipped with monitoring and air pressurization systems, which can be installed next to a caregiver's home or within a room in the caregiver's home. In preferred embodiments, provided is a portable dwelling comprising: walls and a roof in a fixed exterior configuration, wherein the walls will not fail under wind resistance of up to 200 mph; a positive or negative pressure system for keeping contaminants out of or in the interior; and a patient monitoring system comprising means for capturing an image of a patient in a room, a means for remotely transmitting the image to a caregiver and having the ability to communicate only a restricted or selective view of the image to the caregiver.

Abstract: A self-supporting apparatus can be placed in a pre-set opening in an existing wall substrate. A frame assembly is configured with a perimeter that corresponds to the thickness of the wall substrate. The edge of the frame thus can be in fitting contact with the substrate opening. Flanges on opposite sides of the frame extend in the planar direction of the wall substrate to be in contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate to maintain the frame in position in the wall and to strengthen the structure. The frame can include appropriate mounting portions for mounting electrical boxes or low voltage devices within the wall.

Abstract: A solar assembly system is provided. The system includes: a building assembly having a window and a panel. The panel is configured operate in a closed or an open position at the interior of the building interior. Further, the panel may extend beyond the window such that an airtight seals forms between the panel and the window.

Abstract: A window includes first and second panes and a frame coupled to the first and second panes to form an air gap there between. The window further includes an electrical generator disposed in the air gap configured to convert electromagnetic radiation to electricity. The window further includes a venting system configured to vent heat from the air gap away from the first pane or the second pane. The window further includes first and second reflective coatings respectively disposed on first surfaces of the panes. The first surfaces face the air gap, and the reflective coatings are configured to reflect infrared radiation into the air gap. The window further includes first and second antireflective coatings respectively disposed on second surfaces of the panes. The second surfaces face away from the air gap, and the antireflective coatings are configured to transmit visible light and infrared radiation into the air gap.

Abstract: A modular flooring system is disclosed which is designed to support heavy loads while providing stability and ground protection. The invention contemplates a modular mat having an integral main body with offset mounting and assembly flanges and a lattice interior. The mat is constructed from a unitary piece of high strength plastic. Each flange edge contains an outward radiused edge, while each non-flange edge contains an inward radiused edge. Each flange engages with a corresponding flange on an adjacent tile, allowing the outward radiused and inward radiused edges to properly mate. One or more metal cam locks located along the upper flange edges are secured into corresponding cam receptacles located along the lower flange edge. The mats may utilize optional top covers to prevent water and debris from entering the mats. The modular flooring system provides increased strength and stability and protection of the subsurface in heavy industrial applications.

Abstract: A refractory includes a cement, a binder and a matrix. The matrix comprises both stainless steel fibers and organic fibers. The refractory can be easily cast, without additional steel reinforcement, into large fire wall 16 panels 10 capable of meeting the requirements of testing conducted in accordance with ASTM E-119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials in support of IEEE Std. 979-1994, Guide for Substation Fire Protection. The fire wall 16 assembly withstood the fire endurance test without passage of flame and gases hot enough to ignite cotton waste during a four-hour fire exposure. The assembly also withstood a 45 psi water stream for five minutes immediately following the four-hour fire exposure period. This is a stringent mechanical requirement, as all fire walls 16 must maintain their integrity before, during and after a fire, per the Universal Building Code's definition of a true fire wall 16.

Abstract: In a climate control system for buildings, a number of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic and/or eolic, geothermal and the like) are utilized to obtain a flux of constant temperature fluid to be circulated into radiating pipes placed in continuous spaces or gaps defined in the perimeter walls and floors of said buildings. A desired variable flux of air is made to circulate in said spaces or gaps, to be heated or coiled by said radiating pipes. One said flux of air reaches the desired temperature, its circulation is stopped, to obtain a thermal insulating layer of air, in thermal equilibrium with the rooms to be air conditioned. In the matters of civil, trade, industrial, and also prefabricated buildings endowed with elevated features in heat-sound insulation, it has been utilized a particular simple method for the realization of system of hollow spaces or gaps situated between the outer and inner surface of the building, mainly based on the laying of a series of panels; i.e. thin metal sheets, located.

Abstract: A panel construction system includes a plurality of rails and a plurality of panels. Each rail has a longitudinally-extending base with opposing longitudinally-extending L-shaped sides coupled to at least a portion of the base to thereby define a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel. Each panel defines a longitudinally-extending T-shaped channel that is recessed within an outer surface of the panel at one end thereof and extends from the outer surface at an opposing end of the panel. One or more of the panels can incorporate at least one auxiliary-function feature such as solar energy conversion features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled element, in particular a profiled construction element, for example a profiled dry construction, façade, or plaster element, comprising an in particular metal elongated main body, in which at least one opening is formed. The opening has at least one edge formed transversely to the longitudinal extension of the main body, which edge is formed at least partially by a bent-over section of the main body. The bent-over section, together with an adjacent section of the main body, forms an at least double-layer area of the main body. In order to increase the stiffness of the profiled element transversely to the longitudinal extension thereof, the bent-over section is connected to the adjacent section within the at least double-layer area. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a profiled element.

Abstract: A support system for photovoltaic cells upon a roof. A cell support structure is provided beneath each cell, such as in the form of a pair of brackets to form a photovoltaic panel. The panels overlap partially to function somewhat as shingles, to shed water off of the roof. A lower side wall of each photovoltaic panel has at least one port therein to selectively access a space beneath the photovoltaic cell. Photovoltaic cell electronics, such as an inverter for one or a series of cells. A door is provided in one embodiment which selectively covers the port and acts as a support for the photovoltaic cell electronics.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes flashing positioned on the substrate that includes a first surface, a second surface and an aperture extending therethrough. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket supports at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion; the first portion abuts the flashing first surface and the second portion extends through the aperture.

Abstract: A modular tile adapted for mounting onto a flat surface, comprising an edge connector; an edge receiver configured to accommodate the connector; and a plurality of flat units, wherein each unit comprises a central opening with two dimensions with a first dimension smaller than a second dimension. The modular tiles are connected by releasably securing an edge connector of a first modular tile to an edge receiver of a second modular tile.

Abstract: A monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) dense column structure includes RC dense columns along a structure perimeter, RC window structures along the structure perimeter, and a RC beam over the dense columns and the window structures around the structure perimeter. Each window structure includes RC window columns, a RC short window column between the window columns, and a RC window beam between the window columns and over the short window column. The structure further includes prefabricated wall panels having molds that casted the dense columns, the window structures, and the beam.

Abstract: The invention provides a staircase arrangement for use within a swimming pool. The staircase arrangement comprises a staircase and at least one suction device. The staircase includes a set of stairs, a bottom-facing surface and a wall-facing surface. Each of the at least one suction devices comprises an attachment portion for attachment to at least one of the bottom-facing surface and the wall-facing surface of the staircase and a suction portion suitable for establishing a suction connection with an interior surface of the swimming pool so as to secure the staircase to the interior surface of the swimming pool.

Abstract: A building structure system which accords with human body architecture, includes several A buildings, a B building having an in and out access, and a C public which is arranged in all floors of the A buildings, the A buildings and the B building are connected through the C public area, wherein a wind driven generator and a solar panel are installed on a roof of the building structure system for supplying electric power to the building structure system, and a garbage collection entrance, a garbage transmission pipe, a garbage processing system and a garbage recycling system are equipped in the building structure system. The structure and each floor of the buildings are with a scientific layout and have the functions of fire-fighting, anti-seismic and anti-wind.

Abstract: An anchor-to-lanyard adjustable riser cable with a choke and bearing plate. The device is positioned between a roof truss and a safety anchor system to better distribute the weight of a roofer on the truss in the event the roofer falls. The bearing plate is configured to engage a portion of the truss and to distribute forces into this structural member, thereby leading to attenuation of those forces. The bearing plate is provided with a non-skid surface to resist movement of the same along the structural member. Guide channels are provided on the bearing plate to receive portions of the cable from the cable choke therethrough. The bearing plate aids in protecting the structural member from being damaged by a lanyard extending to the safety harness in response to forces generated by the falling roofer.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.

Abstract: This invention involves in one kind of Energy Integrative Building with Ecological Environmental Protection, which includes the overall structure of building, top of building, doors and windows, and guardrails, there is the concrete strengthened layer which is casted on the top of building; the fertile soil is transferred on the top of building, the moist soil dries fast under the sunlight, the fertile elements are increased, the harmful bacteria and parasite are killed in the soil, so as to keep away from the infringement to the soil caused by mouse, mosquito and housefly; solve the decreasing farmlands due to construction, make the abandoned and wasted farmlands become the qualified farmlands for growing crops; solve the loss of soil, water and fertile soil; the solar device takes the role of protection within the growing periods of crops, which can prevent crops from harm of climatic situations such as typhoon, hailstone and rainstorm; can plant crops around the year adjust and retain the urban weather and

Abstract: A model home can include common features with one or more homes being offered for sale. Typically, the common features are energy-efficient features. The model home can include one or more partially exposed features configured to reveal to prospective buyers the common features of the model home and the homes being offered for sale. The partially exposed features can include, for example, exposing the interior construction of portions of the model home, such as the interior construction of one or more walls. The partially exposed features of the model home can assist the prospective buyers understand the benefits that the common features provide, thereby encouraging the prospective buyers' interest in the homes being offered for sale.

Abstract: A device for protecting door or window closure elements for roofs or the like against atmospheric precipitation has at least one covering element, which can be connected to the structure of a building by virtue of connection elements. The covering element can be arranged in at least one position for use, in which, at least partially, it is arranged above and faces at least one door or window closure element that is defined substantially parallel to a portion of the cover of the building.

Abstract: A panel assembly for mounting to the façade of a building which includes a panel member having a longitudinal axis, at least one opening through the panel member for receiving a fitting which is operatively engaged to a connection assembly, and an anchoring assembly receiving the connection assembly and securing the same to the façade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tower for a wind power installation. The tower comprises a wall extending from a foundation in an upwards direction towards a nacelle and defines an enclosed space. Furthermore, the tower comprises a safety blanket which is distended across the tower interior along an inner surface of the wall to thereby split the enclosed space into an upper compartment above the blanket and a lower compartment below the blanket. The safety blanket is flexible.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: Fixing system for solar panels for use on principally flat roofs, consisting of a base and a roof penetration, which base can be anchored to the existing steel structure of the roof, which base is further suitable to be connected to the specified roof penetration, which roof penetration is equipped above with fixings for the attachment of the further structure of the solar panels, where the roof penetration includes an inner tube and an outer tube formed from principally rectangular tubes fitting one inside the other without contacting one another, at an angle of 45° so that rubber profiles can be pressed into the spaces between the inner tube and the outer tube, serving to provide thermal gaps and functioning as a mechanical connection between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A self-cleaning flooring system is provided that includes at least one module. The module comprises a drain pan, a plurality of discharge ports, and at least one side wall. The drain pan may have a ramp and a drain outlet. The ramp may slope downward towards the drain outlet. The discharge ports may be disposed about a periphery of the drain pan and may be directed towards the drain outlet to direct flushing fluid towards the drain outlet. The side wall may circumscribe a portion of the periphery of the drain pan and include a hollow passage and at least one fluid inlet. The fluid inlet may be in fluid communication with the hollow passage for delivering flushing fluid to the discharge ports.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing an exposed surface including a plurality of thermoformed and individually sealing membrane sections, each provided in sheet form and configured for applying over an exterior of the surface. The membranes are directly heat welded to one another along overlapping edges in order to create a sectionalized and continuous vapor barrier across the surface. A sensor is integrated into any one or more selected membrane sections. The sensor incorporates a power supply, a processor and a transmitter which is communicable with a remote monitoring device in order to notify of a problem within any specified membrane section.

Abstract: A shingle insert strip and method for eliminating and preventing growths on a shingled roof in which porous copper strips are installed with upper edges beneath the bottom edges course of shingles with the remaining portions exposed. A confined space is defined beneath a lengthwise hump in the exposed portions which is filled with a material, preferably in granular form which releases a substance toxic to the growths when rainwater runoff passes into the confined space and material and thereafter flows out.

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 disposed within a tube having an outer surface that is substantially exposed and complements the appearance of the roofing elements.

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: Disclosed are various building facade surface configurations and related methods. An exemplary facade includes grooved cavities that are configured in a manner that reflects summer (cooling season) insolation and absorbs winter (heating season) insolation. The effective absorptivities of the exemplary facade for various cavity reflectance characteristics, i.e., a wide range of diffuse and specular reflectance characteristics, are evaluated using a Monte Carlo model. The calculations in an illustrated embodiment are performed for the latitude of 41° N where both heating and cooling loads are significant. Embodiments of facades and other structures are similarly within the scope of the disclosure for locations of different latitudes and longitudes.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: A roofing suspension support and related system and methods are disclosed. The roofing suspension support can comprise a support member, a purlin web coupling portion, and a fixture coupling feature. The purlin web coupling portion can be located at a top end of the support member. The web coupling portion can be configured to couple the support member to a web of a roofing purlin. The fixture coupling feature can be located at a bottom end of the support member. The fixture coupling feature can be configured to couple a fixture to the support member and to position the fixture below a lower flange of the purlin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. In some implementations, the insulating element has at least one insulating layer which is substantially incompressible and which has a substantially constant density in the range of 200 kg/m3 to 300 kg/m3. In certain preferred implementations, the insulating element can be formed of a foam material such as foam tape or thermal break tape.

Abstract: Method of constructing a wind turbine comprising a tower with a bottom section housing electric equipment, which is built in the bottom tower section before the bottom tower section is positioned on a foundation. Prefabricated bottom tower section for a wind turbine comprising electric equipment, e.g., positioned on two or more floors.

Abstract: A roof and rain gutter ice melt system and assembly provide a base panel and a cover panel. The base panel is functionally adapted to be mounted at a roof edge at the back wall of a conventional rain gutter. In one embodiment, the base panel also includes means for supporting a heat cable within it. Electrical energization of the heat cable results in the conduction of heat through the base panel and through the cover panel, the cover panel including means of overlapping and engaging the base panel. A second heat cable is disposed in the floor of the rain gutter. In an alternative embodiment, the heat cable is disposed within a roof edge panel. In either alternative embodiment, a front panel can be provided to allow the front lip of the rain gutter to be heated atop a metal gutter screen.

Abstract: A roof mount assembly mounts a structure to a roof having a rafter and a substrate supported by the rafter. The roof mount assembly includes a piece of flashing positioned on the substrate. The flashing includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and an aperture extending through the flashing. A fastener extends through the flashing aperture. A bracket is connected to the flashing via the fastener, and the bracket is sized to support at least one roof-mounted structure on the roof. A seal is positioned between the flashing aperture and the fastener. The seal is sized to form a water-tight seal with the aperture to inhibit flow of fluid through the aperture. The seal includes a first portion and a second portion, in which the first portion is positioned to abut the flashing first surface and the second portion is positioned to extend through the aperture.

Abstract: An elevated platform system includes a base support structure and a plurality of fiber reinforced polymer composite panels. The base support structure includes pilings secured to a ground surface and attachment cradles coupled to the pilings. The attachment cradles are in electrical continuity with the ground surface. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels include a panel body portion, fibrous material surrounding the panel body portion, a non-conductive matrix forming at least a portion of an outer-most layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel, and an electrically-conductive layer at least partially embedded in the non-conductive matrix. The fiber reinforced polymer composite panels are coupled to the attachment cradles, such that the electrically-conductive layer of the fiber reinforced polymer composite panel is in electrical continuity with the ground surface.

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.

Abstract: Roof panels and roof panel assemblies, comprising roof panels and ridge beams, assemblies are disclosed for use in building construction. The roof panels and ridge beams comprise components formed of composite materials, and certain aspects of the invention include designs that provide for the absorption of solar heat and the promotion of hot air flow within the roof to heat the interior building or generate electricity, among other attributes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for constructing a building that includes a plurality of components formed substantially of cellulose and configured to be arranged together to form the walls, roof, and floor of the building. Further, reinforcements are molded into the plurality of components and a plurality of joint structures arranged along at least one of edge of at least two of the plurality to components, the joint structures configured to connect the plurality of components together.