Abstract: A roof mounted diverting device for diverting a direction of flow of gas from a roof-penetrating pipe is provided. The roof-penetrating pipe has a central axis. The device includes a diverter having a lower opening and an upper opening, the upper opening having a central axis; and a seal having a seal opening, the seal opening being con figured to contact an outer surface of the roof-penetrating pipe and form a gas-tight seal with the roof-penetrating pipe. In an assembled state of the device, any of the gas that enters the diverter can only exit the diverter through the upper opening or through the roof-penetrating pipe, and the diverter is installable in multiple different positions, each of die different positions having a different included angle between the central axis of the upper opening and the central axis of the roof-penetrating pipe.

Abstract: A non-invasive roof attachment system for attaching structures to residential and commercial roofs without the use of penetrations to roofing shingles and sealing layers is described. The attachment system includes vertical and lateral array stays to attach roof mounted systems such as solar panels. The non-slip attachment system also allows for the quick removal of such roof mounted systems rapidly and without the need for repair of penetrations. The non-slip attachment system uses, among other things, an array-stay retainer comprising a vertical member and a horizontal member. A high friction foam polymer padding may further secure the array stays to the roof.

Abstract: A ceiling system is provided for use in a building space having a plurality of walls. The ceiling system includes a grid system that extends to at least two of the plurality of walls and separates the building space into an occupiable space below the grid system and a plenum space above the grid system; and a plurality of ceiling tiles that are supported by the grid system and, with the grid system, create a barrier between the occupiable space and the plenum space, the plurality of ceiling tiles including three different polygonal non-rectangular ceiling tiles.

Abstract: An insulating structure for an appliance includes an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein an insulating cavity is defined therebetween. A plurality of hollow nano-spheres are disposed within the insulating cavity, wherein each of the hollow nano-spheres includes a diameter in the range of from approximately 50 nanometers to approximately 1000 nanometers and has a wall that defines the internal space, and wherein the wall of each hollow nano-sphere has a thickness that is in a range of from approximately 0.5 nanometers to approximately 100 nanometers. A fill material is disposed in the insulating cavity and wherein the fill material is disposed in the space defined between the plurality of hollow nano-spheres, and wherein the fill material includes at least one of powdered silica, granulated silica, other silica material, aerogel and insulating gas.

Abstract: An insulation system and method comprising an insulation layer, an atmospheric regulation layer, a structural support, and an external surface; wherein the atmospheric regulation layer is supported by the structural support, wherein the insulation layer is located between the atmospheric regulation layer and the external surface, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a water vapor permeability of not greater than 3 perms at a relative humidity of 25% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure A Dry Cup, and a water vapor permeability of at least 6 perms at a relative humidity of 75% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure B Wet Cup, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a fire class A rating as measured by ASTM E84, and wherein the continuous atmospheric regulation layer has a ACH50 value of not greater than 10, wherein ACH50 represents an air exchange at 50 Pascals.

Abstract: A mounting bracket (210) for a corrugated panel (202) is disclosed. The mounting bracket (210) includes an upper wall (216) in the form of an at least substantially flat surface for supporting various types of attachments. This upper wall (216) is disposed above and spaced from a panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging a panel valley (208) of the corrugated panel (202). A panel crown engagement section (224) is positioned on each side of the panel valley engagement section (232) for engaging different panel crowns (204) of a corrugated panel (202). An attachment may be secured relative to the mounting bracket (210) utilizing a mounting hole (218) on the bracket upper wall (216).

Abstract: A building structure and a method for incorporating flexibility of intended use into the building are disclosed. The building structure includes a plurality of enclosures which are individually permitted for use as either of a residence or commercial space, or as a combined live/work space. Each of the plurality of enclosures is compliant with the applicable legal requirements for use as either of a residence or a commercial space, including the applicable local zoning requirements. The enclosures may include movable interior walls which are designed to facilitate conversions between residential use and commercial use.

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: A truss system for roofing a building; a truss of said truss system including at least one truss segment; each said truss segment comprising a first elongate element and a second elongate element; said first and second elongate elements interconnected at intervals by a series of fish-plate assemblies; said fish-plate assemblies arranged in sliding engagement with respective extruded fish-plate channels of said first and second elongate elements.

Abstract: A skylight assembly is provided with a glazing unit which transmits light while limiting heat transfer. The glazing unit has spaced apart top and bottom layer defining an enclosed cavity at least partially filled with translucent insulating particles. A peripheral frame formed in situ from a polymeric material about the glazing unit forming a leak-tight joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for improving the condensation resistance of metal roof penetrations. When environmental conditions are right, the curbs associated with metal roof penetrations can experience condensation on metal parts for which there is no thermal break. The disclosed system provides a mechanism to implement a thermal break to prevent the formation of condensation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lightweight housing module comprising at least one stretched fabric intended to form the roof of said module and fixed along its lower edge on a rigid frame maintained at a distance from the ground by a plurality of lateral posts, remarkable in that it comprises vertical panels and/or opening frames in order to close in a substantially sealed manner its vertical facades and a false ceiling arranged in order to be arranged under said fabric inside said lightweight housing module and fixed to the frame. This invention also relates to a modular building remarkable in that it comprises a plurality of lightweight housing modules, according to the invention, arranged next to one another, and a system for sealing between the adjacent lightweight housing modules. This invention also relates to their method of assembly.

Abstract: A protective shelter offering opposite outer supports and a roof structure extending between the supports, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material defining an inner skin to provide a first level of protection in the roof structure, and the tray members are arranged to be supported by transverse beams, wherein the transverse beams are arranged to be supported at their respective ends by the opposite outer supports and wherein the transverse beams form a transverse beam bridge across the shelter such that the height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite supports is substantially the same as the height of said supports.

Abstract: Woven products using combined materials are provided. An intermittent weaving splicer terminates and combines materials having different functional and/or aesthetic properties to create woven products that reflect the different properties of the combined material. Further, a dynamic tensioner variably adjusts tension on the combined materials based on the different properties of the combined material.

Abstract: A protective shelter that provides protection within a war zone and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, is greater than the height of the said walls.

Abstract: The invention describes extruded member systems to which a photovoltaic device is secured to an architectural surface.

Abstract: Ball pivot assemblies for mounting panels to a cable regardless of panel geometry or orientation include a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes geometry configured to enable a panel to pivot about the ball pivot in a plurality of orientations in a plurality of planes with respect to the cable. One or more implementations of the present invention can include a ball socket configured to receive the ball pivot, and provide a secure interface between the ball pivot assembly and the panel. Also, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more cables using one or more ball pivot assemblies. In addition, one or more implementations of the present invention include methods of mounting panels using one or more ball pivot assemblies.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a retrofit roof to be installed above an existing roof made of preformed panels. Elongated support assembly members are positioned along the roof line to provide additional points of attachment for the new roof, while at the same time forming a substantially even plane for new roof panels. Some of the support members fit in the channels between the ridges of the preformed panels, which can be R-panels or standing seam panels. Transverse top members secure the channel-mounted members in place, while strapping members positioned atop the top members form additional lateral support for the new roof. A plurality of bracket support assemblies is secured between the top members to the roofing panels to elevate the new roof support. The bracket support assemblies are formed of two engageable parts to increase resistance to wind forces.

Abstract: The invention describes extruded member systems to which a photovoltaic device is secured to an architectural surface.

Abstract: This application relates to improvements to data centers, including protection from: (1) vandalism, (2) high winds, (3) earthquake, (4) storms, (5) water used for cooling or fire suppression, and (6) explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a retrofit roof to be installed above an existing roof made of preformed panels. Elongated support assembly members are positioned along the roof line to provide additional points of attachment for the new roof, while at the same time forming a substantially even plane for new rood panels. Some of the support members fit in the channels between the ridges of the preformed panels, which can be R-panels or standing seam panels. Transverse top members secure the channel-mounted members in place, while strapping members positioned atop the top members form additional lateral support for the new roof.

Abstract: A sound reflective acoustic panel includes a panel having a scored surface. The scored surface includes a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart kerfs. The kerfs are configured to allow the panel to flex. A plurality of support ribs are attached to the scored surface of the panel. The plurality of support ribs have a curved shape and a length. A suspension mechanism is attached to the support ribs and is suitable for mounting the panel to a building support surface.

Abstract: A protective shelter that can be used to provide protection within a war zone, and which can be readily assembled in a quick, secure and reliable manner. The shelter is formed of opposite outer walls and a roof structure extending therebetween, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members supported by beam supports and in which the plurality of tray members is arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material so as to provide a first layer of protection via the roof structure. The tray members can be supported by beams serving to define a shallow arch across the shelter such that the internal height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite walls, which is greater than the height of the said walls.

Abstract: In a first embodiment a framed solar panel is retained by a rod inserted through a hole in the panel frame. The rod is attached to the top of a bracket, which is mounted at its bottom to a substantially flat surface. In a second embodiment, a framed solar collector panel is retained by a clip which is designed to fit over the top edge of the frame. The clip is then attached to the top of a second bracket. In a fourth embodiment a tether is fastened between the through hole and the flat surface. These embodiments may be used at either or both ends of the frame. Each embodiment may include a safety tether that is connected between the frame and the bracket.

Abstract: Insulation spacer devices, methods and related construction techniques are provided. An exemplary device may include a body having a plurality of openings defining an openwork, to allow the passage of air therethrough when placed in contact with insulation material. The device may further include a plurality of spacer struts and/or spacing depressions fixedly attached to the body. The struts may be configured to maintain a predetermined distance between a first side of the insulation material and a building surface. The body and struts act together to define and maintain a space between the first side of the insulation material and the building surface, for example, for ventilation. The building surface can be the bottom face of a roof, an insulated attic floor, wall sheathing or a soundproofed demising wall, for example. The spacer device can be capable of being transported and stored together with, or as a separate item from, the insulation material, and can also be stored in nested layers.

Abstract: A data center is contained within a building which includes protection from vandalism, high winds, earthquake, and storms. Circulated water within the building is used for cooling or fire suppression. Explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building are protected against by the construction components of the building containing the data center.

Abstract: A false ceiling panel frame, at least one side of this frame including, when viewed in cross section, a top wall and a side wall. The side wall includes an approximately vertical top section and a bottom section, the top section and the bottom section forming an angle in the external face of the panel frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile structure which is intended for various different uses and purposes and which is of the type that comprises a flat floor chassis with wheels, towing means such that it can be towed by a vehicle and floor support means. The invention is characterized in that the structure comprises: an upper structural shell consisting of two outer frames and at least one intermediate frame, which are connected at the top by lateral and central longitudinal joists, and crossbars forming a plurality of upper cavities which are covered either by laminar sections or skylight elements; and a plurality of independent panels forming the walls of the structure, which are disposed around the structural shell and which can take the form of solid panels or panels comprising a window, a door or an air-conditioning system.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal insulation products including a thermal insulation batt, board and loose fill, and methods of manufacture thereof, and a method of insulating an attic with loose fill, and an attic having the loose fill. The insulation products include randomly distributed inorganic fibers which are supplemented with microspheres, preferably hollow microspheres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceiling panel for suspended ceiling systems that is designed to create a moiré effect when viewed from below. The moiré ceiling panels are designed to fit into a standard suspended ceiling grid and include a semi-transparent upper layer, a semi-transparent lower layer, and a light diffusing layer. The lower layer includes a surface with a plurality of light passable apertures or surface areas to allow light from above the suspended ceiling to pass through. The upper layer also includes a surface with a plurality of light passable apertures or surface areas and is connected to the lower layer to form the moiré panel. The light diffusing layer is connected to the upper panel and is design to intensify the moiré pattern while simultaneously concealing the area above the panel.

Abstract: A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture.

Abstract: A skylight is formed with a pair of plastic panels having a similarly sized outer peripheral flange and a central region transparent to visible light, aligned in a stacked orientation with the peripheral flanges overlying one another and defining an enclosed central region in-between. Elongated two-sided elastic tape seal is interposed between and bonded to the outer peripheral flanges of elastic panels to form a sealed enclosed region. A peripheral frame is formed in situ about the plastic panels from a moldable polymeric material which entraps the peripheral flanges forming a unitary type structure with the elastic two-sided tape preventing intrusion of the moldable polymeric frame material into the enclosed region.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: A panel structure including a flexible panel, at least one edge strip and mounting hardware is provided. Also provided is a method of configuring the panel structure. The edge strip has at least one mounting member receiving area provided thereon. The mounting member receiving area is dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware therein. The mounting hardware cooperates with the edge strip to suspend and mount the flexible panel. When installed, the panel structure provides a canopy-like visual element to a space in which it is suspended or mounted. The panel structure may be suspended or mounted in various configurations having different degrees of flex or curvature. The panel structure can be installed easily and reconfigured easily to suit the user.

Abstract: An Emergency Isolation and Treatment Shelter (EITS) roof system is modular and readily transportable within conventional shipping containers. The roof system generally includes a roof support structure including a multiple of identical component parts which are assembled together in a modular manner. Once the roof support structure is assembled to the rigid wall system, a multitude of roof panels are locate thereon. Once the multitude of roof panels are located on the roof support structure, a roof cap system is mounted over the edge interfaces of the roof panels and the roof support structure to provide a watertight system that is rapidly assembled. A transport channel is located within the roof system to provide support and storage areas for the running of wires, water supply conduits, and the like to provide an unencumbered floor area.

Abstract: A method and assembly for preventing the production of windborne debris from a surface of an object, particularly a roof surface, having roof gravel, under the influence of gale-force winds; and to a method of making the assembly. The method comprises locating a wind-permeable perforate sheet adjacent on or above the particulate material on the surface as to prevent the production of the flying debris.

Abstract: A building component for forming a roof. The component includes an ETFE foil cushion comprising sheets of ETFE foil which are held in a frame about their periphery, and which are inflated. The frame includes a release mechanism for releasing the cushion from the frame, for example, in the event of a fire.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating the interior of a building through a roof of the building, the apparatus comprising a light transmissive panel 13 and a light directing duct 12. The panel 13 has an upper surface which is substantially identical in shape to an upper surface of a roof covering and lies in the plane of the said covering. The light directing duct 12 directs light from the panel 13 into the interior of the building. The invention also relates to apparatus for venting the interior of a building. The apparatus comprises a venting panel 32 having at least one venting channel 44, and having an upper surface which is substantially identical in shape to, and lies in the plane of an outer covering of the building. The interior of the building is vented through the panel 32.

Abstract: A valve for selectively blocking the light passageway of a skylight includes a cylindrical shroud and first and second semicircular butterfly valve elements that pivot on respective axles within the shroud to selectively block the skylight. The axles can ride on a common motor-driven cam between a horizontal orientation to block the skylight and a vertical orientation to allow light to pass. The motor can be powered by a universal power supply that can operate at anywhere from below 100 volts to above 270 volts.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has at least one raised section located within the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a trough is formed between the raised section and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.

Abstract: A ceiling, preferably made of wood, to be suspended from an existing ceiling of a room comprising a plurality of perimeter support members adapted to be attached to antipode walls of the room. The perimeter supports having a rabbit channel along their top edge. The suspended ceiling including a center beam having inner side and an outer side, the inner side designed to face the interior of the room, the outer side of the center beam having a pair of channels extending along the longitudinal dimension of the center beam, a brace designed to attach to the outer side of the center beam for fixedly attaching the center beam in a pre-determined location to the ceiling, and a plurality of ceiling panels designed to extend from (and supported by) the perimeter supports and the center beam. Each ceiling panel has at least one rail attached to the front side for communicating with a rabbit joint on the perimeter supports for securing the ceiling panel.

Abstract: A square skylight panel is vacuum-formed of light transmitting sheet plastic and has a lower peripheral flange which projects under roof shingles. The skylight panel covers a one-piece upper coupler member which is vacuum-formed of light transmitting sheet plastic and has an upper flange projecting under the skylight panel flange. A flexible and collapsible cylindrical tube has an upper end portion surrounding a lower wall portion of the upper coupler member and a lower end portion surrounding an upper wall portion of a similarly formed lower coupler member having a bottom flange received within a square frame attached to a ceiling and supporting a light diffusing ceiling panel. The skylight panel, upper and lower coupler members and ceiling panel define three dead air chambers providing for high thermal insulation, and the upper coupler member provides natural light into the attic between the roof and ceiling.

Abstract: The invention provides a ceiling-grid system including a main-runner and a cross-tee. The main-runner has a main-runner tee-portion including at least one opening having a frustoconical portion and a second portion. The cross-tee has a cross-tee tee-portion and a cross-tee support shoulder. The cross-tee tee-portion includes an end and a projection extending from the end. The cross-tee support shoulder is coupled to the cross-tee tee-portion and the projection is insertable into the frustoconical portion and slidable into the second portion.

Abstract: A composite roof structure, and a corresponding method of fabricating the structure, are disclosed which includes use of a layer of non-cellular adhesive material (preferably a two-component non-cellular polyurea polyurethane adhesive material), roof insulation panels, along with a flexible roof membrane, preferably made of thermoplastic olefin rubber, including a rubber-like sheet having a fleece-like matting secured to the underside thereof. The non-cellular adhesive is preferably sprayed onto a roof substrate and prior to complete solidification thereof the roof membrane or roof insulation is pressed into the adhesive so that the matting becomes embedded therein.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling provides horizontal areas of different elevation and a transitional area between the horizontal areas. The ceiling comprises a grid of horizontal intersecting supports and panels received by the supports. The transitional area is constructed by inclined supports connected to the horizontal supports by clips of special design. In a situation where three supports converge, a clip is provided having three channels diverging at appropriate angles. In a situation where four supports converge, a clip is provided having four channels diverging at appropriate angles. The clips include tabs which are crimped over the horizontal supports and the inclined supports of the transition area. The clips are of metal and of sufficiently thin gauge so they can be bent to provide the angles necessary in the transition area. An important feature of the invention is the ability to make modules comprising the grid for transition areas on a jig in a shop and transport it to a job site for installation.

Abstract: An air deflector is designed for use with an air vent supported in a suspended ceiling grid. The air deflector includes a deflector body with four side members, each having a pair of opposed ends and a mid-portion therebetween. At least two of the side members further include a support tab extending outwardly from the upper edge of the downwardly extending wall segment. The deflector body is formed from a resilient material such that the deflector may be deformed into a non-rectangular shape and the support tabs may be positioned between the upper surface of the grid members defining the rectangular opening and the lower surface of the perimeter edge of the air vent, without disassembling the deflector body or removing the air vent from the rectangular opening.

Abstract: A storage assembly consisting of a storage space below a garage ceiling with rafters and a ceiling panel and above an opened overhead garage door, the ceiling panel having tie receiving apertures, a plurality of ceiling catching beams extending perpendicularly over the rafters, a plurality of metal ties extending through the ceiling panel apertures and catching beam apertures, a plurality of fasteners fixedly attached to the upper ends of the ties, securing the ties to the ceiling catching beams, the lower ends of the ties extending through apertures in a plurality of shelf catching beams, fasteners attached to the lower ends of the ties, and a shelf panel overlying the shelf catching beams, wherein the lower ends of the ties overly the opened overhead garage door.

Abstract: A fluid leak capture and drainage system for ceiling leaks which includes a ceiling panel support grid and a plurality of ceiling panels mounted thereon is disclosed. The ceiling panel has a raised platform located in the center of the panel and a wall extending along the periphery of the panel so that a perimeter trough is formed between the platform and the wall. The wall has a top edge and a rim extending outwardly and generally perpendicularly from the top edge of the wall and at least one opening formed through the wall. A fitting is connected to the opening and tubing is attached to the fitting for draining the trough as fluid collects therein.