Abstract: For the exchange of thermal energy between flowable media and the surroundings, said media are directionally conveyed in sectional structures, etc. The invention relates to sectional elements and sectional modules which are used in combination with paste-like, solidifiable coating materials. The coating material passes through the perforated, flow guiding walls of the elements or modules and results, amongst other effects, in an increase of the surface area and in an intensification of the interaction between the flowing material and the surroundings. In a use according to the invention, the external walls, etc., of buildings are provided with a surface composite comprising sectional elements and modules according to the invention in combination with coating materials, for the purpose of effecting economical air-conditioning of the building from the bottom of the basement to the roof.

Abstract: An inflatable shelter includes a flexible membrane, a first elongate inflatable tube supported by the flexible membrane and a second elongated inflatable tube supported by the flexible membrane. The first tube has first and second axial ends and a first intermediate portion between the first and second axial ends. The second tube has third and fourth axial ends and a second intermediate portion between the third and fourth axial ends. The first, second, third and fourth axial ends terminate in a plane. The first and second intermediate portions converge towards one another such that the first and second tubes form four legs supporting the membrane. The flexible membrane preferably includes first and second sleeves defining first and second lumens receiving the first and second inflatable tubes, respectively, and a plurality of wall panels coupled to and extending between the first and second sleeves.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable protective enclosure is constructed from a flexible membrane surrounding a framework of inflatable support members each individually coupled to a central fluid distribution system. Each inflatable support member is individually repairable or replaceable from within the enclosure without effecting the structural integrity of the remaining framework. A system is provided to make the enclosure air tight, and air tight passage between modularly connected enclosures is also provided.