Abstract: The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members.

Abstract: A lining for an aircraft. The lining separates an intermediate space from an interior space of the aircraft in a pressuretight manner. The lining panels extend either substantially horizontally or are fastened approximately vertically on a lining framework formed by profiles for connection to the fuselage cell. At least one of the lining panels allows automatic pressure equalization between the interior space and the intermediate space in the event that the pressure in the interior space drops to something in the order of 0 hPa. This pressure corresponds to the air pressure prevailing at an altitude above 10,000 m. Mounts of the lining panels are provided with predetermined breaking points. The predetermined breaking points are formed in particular by plastic nuts, the thread of which tears away when a critical load-bearing capacity is exceeded.

Abstract: Deployable units and systems made of deployable units are described. The units have a retractable brace transitioning from a retracted condition to a deployed condition through a gravity driven movement, a latching arrangement contacting the brace and keeping the brace in position when the brace is in the deployed condition, and a guiding arrangement to guide the movement of the brace. The systems comprise plural deployable units to be arranged in a building structure, each unit to be located in a respective bay per story space of the building structure.

Abstract: A fire retardant cover is disclosed herein for covering a ceiling-side recess of a fluted roof deck and for providing a flat surface for installation of a head-of-wall track (associated with a steel stud wall assembly). The fluted roof deck has an undulating bottom surface that defines a plurality lengthwise recesses corresponding to a plurality of ceiling-side flutes of the fluted roof deck. The fire retardant cover is substantially flat and configured to sealingly cover at least one of the plurality of lengthwise recesses. The fire retardant cover comprises a piece of sheet metal bent to define first and second upwardly extending protrusions. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other by a substantially flat web section and have laterally facing outer top surfaces matched to sealingly contact lengthwise bottom surfaces of one of the plurality of recesses of the fluted roof deck when the fire retardant cover is installed.

Abstract: A building (2) having an information facility for use in an emergency and for enabling emergency services to obtain information on the building (2) likely to be necessary for use in tackling the emergency, and the building (2) being such that: (i) the information on the building (2) is accessed via an information container (4); (ii) the information container (4) is on an outside part of a building; (iii) the information container (4) comprises a body (8), a door (10) for closing the body (8), and control means (12) for accessing the information on the building (2); (iv) the information on the building (2) is stored in memory means (14); and (v) the control means (12) electronically accesses the information in the memory means (14).

Abstract: Shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.

Abstract: A windshield for a vehicle comprises weakening means arranged to weaken the windshield so that the windshield collapses in a controlled manner in the event of the vehicle colliding with a person.

Abstract: An explosion-proof decompression plate is provided outside the explosion-proof window of an architecture or equipment. A convex part that protrudes out of the window is formed in the center of the decompression plate, and a flange is formed around the convex part. Further, a confined space is formed inside the decompression plate that is opposite to the convex part. Several thru holes are formed on the flange, and a lock-joint portion of which the area is smaller than the thru hole is formed. Several joint ribs easily splitting are formed between the flange and the lock-joint portions to connect. Accordingly, when the air blast occurs in the architecture or equipment, the decompression plate is thrust away by the blast pressure caused by the air blast and an open mouth is formed to vent out the blast pressure.

Abstract: Multistable shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape and that can remain stable in the various shapes. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. The surfaces remain stable by leveraging them during deformation to an extent that they cannot spontaneously return to the unstressed shape. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.

Abstract: A building support structure has a rigid support body for supporting a building, and a pressurized gas structure provided in the support body. The pressurized gas structure is provided in the support body so as to apply a vertical tension force to the support body. The pressurized gas structure may be a pressure chamber which is provided in the support body, or a saclike membrane. The saclike membrane is connected to the support body under a vertical compression force which is applied by the support body, thereby the saclike membrane applies a vertical tension force to the support body.

Abstract: A building structure has a generally horizontally disposed modular roof made-up of a plurality of side-by-side roof units which are mutually joined. Each roof unit is constructed as a pair of spaced apart rigid skins shaped in such manner as to eliminate additional supporting structure and which are joined along mutual edges of the pair of skins and forming an interior space filled with a thermal insulator. One end of each of the roof units is curved in a downward arc. A skylight frame protrudes above an upper one of the pair of skins, the frame supporting an upwardly facing window. An electrical circuit includes LED lamps mounted in a lower one of the pair of skins with its illumination directed downwardly. The circuit may also include a motorized shade or a liquid crystal shade for limiting natural light transmission through the window.

Abstract: A responsive structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section is provided. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.

Abstract: A blast resistant window system includes a plurality of anchor members disposed in a wall and first and second mounting bodies at first and second opposite ends of an opening in the wall secured with the anchor members. The first mounting body has a first pair of spaced brackets connected thereto, and the second mounting body having a second pair of spaced brackets connected thereto. First and second energy dampening devices are disposed between the first and second pairs of spaced brackets. First and second restraining cables extend between the first and second mounting bodies across the inside surface of the window pane. These cables have first and second ends connected to the first and second pairs of spaced brackets. The cables are coupled together at the first and second opposite ends of the opening by the first and second energy dampening devices.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprising a sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, a processor for comparing the monitored environmental condition to a predetermined value, and an actuator for automatically retracting the telescoping tower if the environmental condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Provided is a movable tensegrity structure capable of performing bending operation, twisting operation, contracting operation, etc. by itself. The movable tensegrity structures (1, 1*, 10) is constituted by combining a plurality of rigid members (2, 11) and tension members (3, 12) for connecting the end points (E, F) of the rigid members (2, 11), respectively. The tensegrity structure is characterized in that all or a part of the plurality of tension members (3, 12) is formed of a contraction-controllable member.

Abstract: A sub-floor panel and system using the sub-floor panel is disclosed. A sub-floor panel, includes a base, at least one support structure coupled to the base, and at least one ventilation channel adjacent to the support structure.

Abstract: A system for controlling water leakage and excess humidity in a basement, including a water leakage vacuum apparatus that includes a water vacuuming apparatus to collect a water leakage through a basement wall, an air dehumidifying apparatus, and a perimeter channel system having a plurality of flow channels, disposed along the perimeter of the basement wall. The perimeter channel system includes a water channel for conducting the water leakage away from a basement wall to the water vacuuming apparatus, a humid air channel for communicating humid air from the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement to a dehumidifying apparatus, and a dehumidified air channel for communicating the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying apparatus to the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement.

Abstract: An environmentally responsive building includes an array of window and/or building panels that are configured to generate an output product from environmental inputs. The panels may include photocatalytic elements capable of generating output product(s) from solar energy and atmospheric gas(es), and photovoltaic elements capable of generating electricity from solar energy. The building includes a transport network that provides inputs to the window/building panels and transports output product(s) to a storage system. A conversion system may be provided to convert the output product(s) to an input usable by the building. A supervisory controller monitors and controls the operation of the window/building panels as a function of the environment, and of the operation and capacity of the environmentally responsive components, including the panels, transport network, storage system and conversion system.

Abstract: A building, comprises at least a first wall including a plurality of first members each having a fixed length and a plurality of second members each having a variable length, the first members and the second members being coupled in a lattice structure. The second members are configured to lengthen or shorten in response to structural strain or pressure caused by thermal cycling of the building.

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: Provided are a fireproof door and a fireproof door frame. The fireproof door includes a water receiving part, a groove, a water expansion substance, an intake port, and a plurality of supply holes. The water receiving part holds water therein. The groove is formed along an edge of the fireproof door. The water expansion substance is inserted into the groove along the edge and expands when absorbing water to seal a gap between a door frame and the fireproof door. The intake port is disposed at a lower portion to supply water into the water receiving part. The plurality of supply holes is disposed along the groove between the water receiving part and the water expansion substance to supply water held in the water receiving part through the intake port to the water expansion substance.

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: The seats in a seating venue, e.g. a large sports stadium, are designated into a plurality of distinct sound triggers. Sensors detect predetermined movement of participants at the sound triggers and generate signals which are sent to a broadcast device which broadcasts different, predetermined sounds in response to signals received from different sound triggers. Groups of people at a large seating venue can move together to generate a single sound, e.g. a musical instrument sound. By coordinating the sequential movement of different sound triggers, musical compositions are broadcast.

Abstract: An elastomeric seismic isolator bearing comprising a plurality of elastomeric layers reinforced with a plurality of fiber layers is disclosed, wherein said bearing is capable of exhibiting stable rollover when subjected to a lateral load in an unbonded application.

Abstract: The invention is a structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is a readily collapsible lightweight, support structure utilizing one or more three dimensional shapes formed from a material exhibiting compressive strength in a high longitudinal to transverse ratio. The composite anisotropic materials preferably comprise a reinforced polymer with continuous, high modulus unidirectional fibers.

Abstract: A civil structure block for buildings is provided. The civil structure block is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic to the civil structure block.

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

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a self-centering energy dissipative brace apparatus. A bracing system is often needed to stabilize, strengthen or stiffen structures such as buildings which are subjected to severe or extreme conditions. The brace apparatus may be installed in a structure to dissipate input energy and minimize residual deformations related to exceptional loading imposed on the structure by winds, earthquakes, impacts or explosions. The apparatus integrates self-centering properties and energy, dissipative capacities which help minimize structural damage.

Abstract: A rapidly-deployable fire shelter is described herein. Specifically, the fire shelter is equipped with one or more actuators that enable the fire shelter to be rapidly deployed thereby providing a quick and effective mechanism for protecting items or people from fire, smoke, and the other fire-related hazards. The fire shelter may include a protective barrier that is extended upon activation of the one or more actuators.

Abstract: A multilayer flooring panel for flooring and the like has a cementitious top surface, a lower density intermediate layer preferably incorporating expanded polymeric beads mixed with cement, and a lower layer reinforced by tension-bearing fibers embedded therein. The interface between the top and middle layers may be upwardly domed to reduce the tendency for cracks to form in the bottom surface of the top layer. Channels formed along the edges of such tiles allow insertion of heat transfer tubing to provide a hydronic floor surface. A flooring panel may have cementitious top and bottom surfaces with an intermediate lower density layer there between. Such intermediate layer may be divided into two portions by a water impervious layer that serves as a binder and vapor barrier.

Abstract: A self-orienting tilting solar roof includes a roof (1) having a square, rectangular or polygonal shape, which can oscillate by the barycentre or central point of equilibrium (6) thereof under the action of forces applied at least three or more points (9) at a clear distance from one another and from the central bearing point (6), thereby preventing the roof from extending beyond the initial perimeter thereof in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A modular panel to make a roof or a wall of a building comprises an external shell and an internal shell, made of moldable plastic material, coupled with each other to define at least a compartment. The panel integrates in itself means for the capturing and irradiation of energy, and relative energy accumulation means, the capturing and irradiation means being associated, at least partly, with the external shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the support of a solar tracker, of the type comprising a structure (1) on which a solar panel (4) is arranged by means of horizontal articulations (3), a linear actuator (5) being included between both, which linear actuator is attached to the solar panel (4) at a point (6) which is laterally separated with respect to the axial line of the horizontal articulations (3) and with respect to the structure at a point (8) which is laterally separated therefrom, shock-absorbers (9) being arranged between the solar panel (4) and the structure (1) in the areas of the horizontal articulations (3), whereas pins (10) limiting the pivoting of the solar panel (4) in both directions are arranged in the horizontal articulations (3).

Abstract: A blast-resistant window assembly is provided. The assembly has a window, and first and second brackets. The window is fitted within an opening having at least one wall. The first bracket has a brace located adjacent the window, and a stop located adjacent the wall. The second bracket is located adjacent the wall and is configured to receive the stop. During an explosion, force created therefrom causes the window to engage the brace of the first bracket to cause the stop of the same to be received by the second bracket.

Abstract: A fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire is disclosed. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. The intumescent strip comprises expandable graphite and a fire retardant (C2-C8 alkyl diamine phosphate). When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip expands so to fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap, thereby retarding or preventing the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A structure, including: at least two structural members; a joining element connected to the at least two structural members; and at least one active element within the joining element, or between the joining element and at least one of the structural members, wherein a force applied to one structural member passes at least partially through the active element and into the other structural member, the active element being configured such that the structure exhibits a prescribed load-deflection relationship when a force is applied thereto.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with relatively rigid shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on frame construction buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the energy associated with shear force through spring-like behavior and deformation. In one embodiment, the energy dissipation is achieved by a plurality of corrugation structures, where the top of the corrugation is attached to the upper portion of the wall and the bottom of the corrugation is attached to an interconnecting assembly that is securely attached to the foundation.

Abstract: This loading bay comprises a compact structure carrying at least one fold-away ramp and a shelter for closing off the space between the shed and the truck box body at the side and at the top during loading or unloading operations. Said compact structure adjoins the wall (P) of the shed on the outside and is set up with the possibility of being removed longitudinally on guide means for positioning the movable assembly in a position opposite any one of the openings (H) providing access to the shed. The loading bay comprises, additionally, motorized actuating means, at least one bar of sensors for detecting the position of the truck while said truck is being moved closer into position, a light-signalling device and a light and/or acoustic signal warning of the approach of a truck.

Abstract: A floor including a flooring plate and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.

Abstract: A theater (54) can be divided into a plurality of booths (64) by booth partition walls (68). By moving the booth partition walls (68), the plurality of booths (64) are combined to form a combined theater (66). When the theater (54) is divided in the plurality of booths (64), each booth (64) provides a booth picture in which images of visitors seated in the booth (64) are incorporated as characters. The combined theater (66) provides a combined-theater picture with the use of screens (70) of all the booths (64). Each booth (64) provides a default picture when a fault occurs in the function of generating a booth picture.

Abstract: An element is inserted between the upper edge of a wallboard and a fluted ceiling. The element has a lower edge adapted to snugly accommodate the upper edge of the wallboard and an upper edge shaped and adapted to accommodate the fluted shape of the ceiling. The element is snugly fixed to the wallboard and includes mineral wool and calk fire putty sandwiched between two layers of sheet metal.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: A magnetically levitated antiseismic structure comprises a main structure and one or more substructures. A first electromagnet is arranged at a base of the substructure and a corresponding second electromagnet is arranged on the substrate beneath the first electromagnet, both of the first and second electromagnets having the same electromagnetic polarity when they are electrically connected to a power source. The first and second electromagnets are electrically connected to an electromagnetic control device, and the electromagnet control device including an earthquake signal receiver. The present invention can effectively free people from damages and injuries from the earthquake.

Abstract: A system and a method of preventing disaster by compensating displacement of a skyscraper in accordance with wind pressure are disclosed. The system for preventing disaster of a skyscraper includes a displacement sensing module configured to sense displacement of the skyscraper, and a displacement compensating apparatus configured to pull the skyscraper in the gravity direction in case that the sensed displacement is more than a reference value.

Abstract: A civil structure block for buildings is provided. The civil structure block is composed of a mixture of a plurality of piezoelectric rods, a plurality of carbon fibers and cement material. The mixture imparts a vibration damping characteristic to the civil structure block.

Abstract: An arrangement for the cooling of computer data centers. More particularly, the arrangement eliminates the problems present in the uneven or inadequate cooling of computer racks due to unwanted airflows, which are encountered between so-called hot aisles and cold aisles present in a computer data center. Specifically, this problem is solved through the provision of partitions which, under normal circumstances, prevent the unwanted airflows by standing in a vertical orientation, yet which, in the event of a fire, collapse from the vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, thereby avoiding interference with water sprays from sprinkler heads, and thus complying with fire codes and ordinances. Moreover, also employed is a method of preventing the unwanted air flows by utilization of the novel arrangement comprising the fire-code-compatible, collapsible partitions.

Abstract: A roof has an outer surface with a first color under a first environmental condition and a second color under a second environmental condition. The outer surface is capable of both changing from the first color to the second color and from the second color to the first color.

Abstract: A roof comprises shingles of asphalt construction and 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.