Abstract: A solar module construction comprises at least one pyramidal support unit with a triangular base and triangular lateral planes as well as photovoltaic units provided on at least one of the lateral planes of the support unit. The support unit includes a supporting frame which spans the triangular base by means of base struts and the lateral planes by means of lateral struts. At least one of the lateral planes is stretched over with a flexible material. On at least one lateral plane photovoltaic units in the form of flexible solar modules are installed on the membrane. A multiplicity of such solar module constructions together forms a solar module array, preferably with solar module pairs, which are composed of two solar module constructions and form a parallelogram.

Abstract: A hovering air fort containing a circular side panel having an aperture, a domed top, a shroud having a first end secured to the circular side panel to provide an air flow channel for forcing air through the aperture and a second end for receiving a fan; and a single chord secured at the bottom edge of the circular side panel. The chord may be secured along about 75% to 100% of the bottom edge of the circular side panel and has a weight that allows the bottom edge to be lifted above the surface when the fan forces air into the hovering air fort.

Abstract: A system and method for storing aircraft (e.g., helicopters) in optimal humidity conditions with decreased maintenance costs is described. The aircraft is place within an inflatable storage chamber defined by a base portion and an upper portion. Once the base and upper portions are secured to each other, the chamber is inflated, and a telemetry system is disposed within the chamber to monitor and control humidity and temperature.

Abstract: A spacer comprising: a) a wall insert weather sealing cup portion having a peripheral sidewall, and a bottom sidewall which seats on a structural frame of the building; and, b) a structurally reinforced bend prevention bolt spacing sleeve portion mated to fit within the cup portion, the sleeve portion having an central axial bolt opening therethrough. After an exterior side of the structural frame of the building is sheathed the sealing cup portion can be directly attached to the structural frame of the building through a hole drilled through a wall sheathing. When the sheathed wall is finished the cup portion can be sealed in the finish thereby preventing moisture from penetrating through the wall at the enlarged hole; and, when the addition is screwed to the existing building's frame, a substantial bending moment on the screws can be sustained by the structurally reinforced bend prevention bolt spacing sleeve portion.

Abstract: A seal assembly located at the intersection of an extension room and wall of a recreation vehicle, the seal assembly having a flap seal, a bulb snap-in member attached to the flap seal, and a bulb seal member attachable to the bulb snap-in member in a snap-fit manner. The bulb seal member may be attached to the bulb snap-in member by a living hinge. The flap seal may be made removable from the bulb snap-in member. Two flap seals may be used to attach to either side of the recreation vehicle wall. The two flap seals may be connectable with each other and adjustable via a longitudinal mating shaft on one flap seal and a longitudinal mating shaft receiving member on the second flap seal. The seal assembly may be manufactured by a multi-extrusion process so that various components can be made of different materials, such as different types of plastic.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly includes a housing and a platform disposed within the housing. The platform is rotatably moveable about a vertical axis. A partition is attached to and moveable with the platform, and includes a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the partition are spaced from an exterior wall of the housing to define a gap therebetween. A sealing mechanism is moveable between a sealing position and an open position. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the sealing position to seal the gap between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge and prevent light from passing through the gap. The sealing mechanism is moveable into the open position to vacate the gap and allow rotational movement of the platform and the partition about the vertical axis relative to the exterior wall of the housing.

Abstract: An inflatable insulator covers an associated attic access hatch to prevent a transfer of heat from a first indoor environment maintaining temperature control and a second indoor environment not maintaining temperature control. The insulator includes at least one air chamber adapted to contain a volume of stationary air. Impermeable layers define the air chamber. Sidewalls extending from a generally planar top wall to remove the impermeable layers from a direct contact with the access hatch.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a protective window covering system comprising a conventional building window having a window frame and an inflatable protective window covering, wherein multiple hooks are mounted around the perimeter of the window frame, wherein the inflatable protective window covering is comprised of a single, uninterrupted inner cavity and walls wherein the walls of the protective covering enclose the inner space of the protective covering, and wherein the walls of the protective covering include at least two rows of fibers extending throughout at an angle that is offset by 15° to 75°, and a securing means wherein the securing means attaches loosely to the window frame in an uninflated state, wherein inflation of the protective covering applies tension to the securing mechanism thereby securing the protective covering.

Abstract: An air barrier having a scuff coating is used in connection with the core of a spacecraft to form an inflatable, or expandable, human habitat module. The air barrier is comprised of a number of segments joined together to form a enclosure that has at least one opening. The joined segments are generally gas impermeable, flexible, and have a scuff coating on both sides of the segments.

Abstract: In order to improve a retentions force of a silo closure, patterns with protrusions and recesses are proposed at least on insides of a support profile in particular portions, preferably also on outsides of a support hose and/or at least on one of the outsides of a cover foil.

Abstract: An inflatable shutter is provided. The shutter comprises a protective layer and at least one air bladder, and is attached to the outside of a building structure. The shutter is positioned outside the building structure adjacent a window or other opening in order to protect the window or other opening from high velocity winds and flying debris during storms. The shutter may be removed from the outside of the building and compactly stored during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: An inflatable insulator covers an associated attic access hatch to prevent a transfer of heat from a first indoor environment maintaining temperature control and a second indoor environment not maintaining temperature control. The insulator includes at least one air chamber adapted to contain a volume of stationary air. Impermeable layers define the air chamber. Sidewalls extending from a generally planar top wall to remove the impermeable layers from a direct contact with the access hatch.

Abstract: An inflatable barrier system for a doorway or other opening comprising a front side envelope of rectangular front elevation and dog bone shaped horizontal plane cross section, inflatable with gas and fillable with a hardening foam, combined with an inflatable back side array of tubular air beams configured with self sealant, both connected to a source of gas for inflating the fabric envelope and the back side array of tubular air beams. The front side envelope is configured for frontal resistance to predetermined levels of push, cut, puncture, flame, chemical, and ballistic attack. The system is used as a method for closing a doorway to such attacks by erecting and inflating the system within the opening such that the edges on either side of the opening are gripped between the lobes of the respective ends of the dog bone profile of the front side envelope.

Abstract: In order to improve a retentions force of a silo closure, patterns with protrusions and recesses are proposed at least on insides of a support profile in particular portions, preferably also on outsides of a support hose and/or at least on one of the outsides of a cover foil.

Abstract: Described is a building encasement element (100) with a foil cushion that comprises an outer foil layer (101) forming the outside of a building envelope and an inner foil layer (102) forming the outside of a building envelope, wherein these foil layers form, between themselves, at least one essentially fluid-tight, enclosed hollow space in which a fluid medium, in particular, air, is contained, and with a reinforcement element (107).

Abstract: A closure assembly with a shape memory polymer seal is provided for use with a vehicle. The closure assembly includes a frame member configured for attachment to the vehicle body to selectively transition from a closed position to an open position. The seal structure includes a base portion elongated along and attached to a peripheral edge of the frame member or the vehicle body, and a flexible contact portion extending integrally from the base portion and configured for sealing communication with an opposing surface. A thermally-activated smart material (TASM), namely a shape memory polymer member, is disposed inside a cavity within the contact portion. A thermoelectric device is in thermal communication with the TASM, and is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows therethrough. The TASM is activated in response to the thermal differential of the thermoelectric device, thereby altering at least one physical property of the TASM.

Abstract: An inflatable air beam having a laceloop assembly affixed thereto, a structure utilizing same and a method of constructing a structure is provided. In the structure, the fabric is laced to a structural support, typically, an air beam to position and properly tension the fabric thereon. The laceloop assembly includes spaced apart adjacent laceloops that are interconnected to secure the fabric panel to the structural support. In practicing the method, the laceloops are passed through fabric panels and through adjacent laceloops to interconnect the adjacent laceloops and secure the fabric panels to the structural support.

Abstract: A dock leveler sealing system that includes a barrier configured to be attached to a dock leveler and a hinged region located in the barrier and configured to facilitate one portion of the barrier moving with respect to a second portion of the barrier. The dock leveler sealing system also includes a biasing apparatus attached to the barrier and configured to position the first portion of the barrier at a bias relative to the second portion of the barrier. Also, a method of providing a seal between a loading dock and an area outside of the loading dock.

Abstract: For an inflatable structure having a flexible outer shell or wall structure having a flexible restraint layer comprising interwoven, load-bearing straps, apparatus for integrating one or more substantially rigid members into the flexible shell. For each rigid member, a corresponding opening is formed through the flexible shell for receiving the rigid member. A plurality of connection devices are mounted on the rigid member for receiving respective ones of the load-bearing straps.

Abstract: Pneumatic hurricane shutters are designed to temporarily cover a window or door in a building or other structure. The shutters have a lightweight rigid frame for surrounding the openings and mounting on fasteners attached to the building. Elongated pneumatic tubes are connected to frame rails and span the space between the rails to protect the opening. The frames can be locked in place to prevent inadvertent removal once in place. The frames and deflated tubes can be stored until the approach of a storm at which time the frames may be attached to the building and the tubes inflated to protect the openings.

Abstract: A apparatus to prevent insect intrusion through window weep holes includes a long filled tube which may be placed in the open track of a window. The apparatus is most effective when the window is open. The apparatus seals the window track to prevent bugs from intruding into the interior of the building. Its size and length may vary depending on the size of the window. Its shape may vary based on the design and the materials it is made of or filled with.