Abstract: A deformable slat system for a building construction has one or more deformable slats(1). At least one of the aforementioned slats (1) has two slat parts (Ia, Ib) which are joined together in such a way that they are hingeable about a hinge line (2). This slat (1) is bendable and/or twistable in each first position where the slat parts (Ia, Ib) are hinged at a straight angle or a zero angle with respect to one another and is rigidified in each second position where the slat parts (Ia, Ib) are hinged at an angle differing from the straight angle or zero angle with respect to one another. The slat system includes means (13a, 13b, 19a, 19b, 14, 15, 16) for bringing the aforementioned slat (1) selectively into a first or a second position, and for bringing a slat (1), which has been brought into a first position, into a bent and/or twisted position. Furthermore, a slat (1) is provided for a slat system of this type, and also a building construction is provided with a slat system of this type.

Abstract: Curtain walls according to embodiments of the present disclosure integrate a variety of energy producing and/or energy saving features and may be used to clad buildings to achieve net zero energy or low energy ratings. A curtain wall may comprise: a support frame; a grid assembly attached to the support frame; and, panels and cassettes each comprising a prefabricated unit attached to a frame; wherein the assembly is configured for ease of attachment of the frames carrying the prefabricated units. A wide range of different panels and cassettes with different functions can be integrated into the curtain wall, such as glazing, electrochromic, solar, photovoltaic (PV) and aluminum.

Abstract: An assembly for a structure comprises a support and a panel. The panel may be a glass panel. The assembly further comprises a structural adhesive, which couples the panel to the support. The structural adhesive may comprise a silicone. The structural adhesive h a first coupling surface facing the support and a second coupling surface spaced from the first coupling surface and facing the interior surface of the panel. The structural adhesive has a substantially right-trapezoidal cross-section, which is oriented in a certain direction relative to the panel and the support. The first coupling surface is sloped relative to the second coupling surface of the structural adhesive thereby reducing stress in the assembly due to environmental load subjected on the structure, such as wind load. Other supports and assemblies are also provided. The assembly may be used to form curtain walls, window walls, sky-lights, etc.

Abstract: Precast wall systems and methods for constructing a high-rise building using the precast wall system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of interconnected precast panels, each having a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of vertical bars disposed between the end plates and a cementitious material encasing the vertical bars and defining a plurality of sides of the respective panel. A first of the precast panels has a first column member half defining a right side of the first panel, a second of the precast panels has a second column member half defining a left side of the second panel such that, when the right side of the first precast panel and the left side of the second precast panel are disposed horizontally adjacent to each other, the first column member half and the second column member half collectively form a column member.

Abstract: A method is provided for erecting a multi-story building on a foundation using a plurality of pre-manufactured multi-story wall panels. A plurality of wall panels are erected on the foundation to form a perimeter of wall panels which extend vertically to span two or more stories of the building. A plurality of floor joists are joined between multi-story wall panels to extend generally horizontally therebetween. Optionally, once erected, concrete can be placed between the studs of the wall panels and in channels between joists. Various methods and materials for finishing the exterior side of the wall panels and reinforcing the wall panels and the joists are also provided.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.

Abstract: A building wall system has a plurality of panels positioned adjacent one another for securement to a frame structure of a building via a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of rails secures a façade to the panels. Each rail has a first, second and third portion. The first portion receives the fasteners to secure the bracket to the frame structure. The second portion provides a surface for securement with the façade. The second portion is spaced from the panel so that fasteners do not enter the panel. The third portion rests against the panel to provide rigidity for the rail.

Abstract: A curtain wall unit includes a frame composed of a casting material, which define at least one infill area for receiving and retaining an infill element, and a connector assembly operatively engaged to the frame for attaching the frame to a standing structure. A method of making the curtain wall unit and a curtain wall assembled from the same is also described.

Abstract: A suspension device for façade elements of a façade of a building. The suspension device includes suspending elements engaging in receiving regions of elements of the suspension device that are arranged on the building side. The elements of the suspension device arranged on the building side include at least one base element that is fastened to the building and an adjusting device that is adjustable on the base element.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment system is provided for attaching a unit to a base. The adjustable attachment system comprises an embed, a bridging clip and a locking strip. The bridging clip is adapted for receiving an attachment piece, to which the unit may be attached. The embed is positioned in an outward facing surface of the base. The bridging clip is positioned in the embed at a desired in/out position. The position of the bridging clip may be adjusted in two orthogonal directions. The locking strip is inserted between the bridging clip and the embed to fix the bridging clip in place.

Abstract: An unitized curtain wall unit houses energy conversion devices (such as photovoltaic modules), and includes integrated raceways/wireways for routing signal and power cables within a building façade or exterior shell structures.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes other power generating system components—including control units and associated power/signal wiring—within the façade.

Abstract: Structures with an outer wall structure have multiple angled walls that are alternately joined together so as to create recessed and protruding elements relative to a horizontal structural foundation, there being a façade structure added to the outer wall structure, so that a viewer at a predetermined viewing distance from the outer wall structure will see a reverse-perspective illusion on the outer wall structure when moving laterally relative to the outer wall structure. Reverse-perspective lines are formed by one or more visible elements that help to create a reverse-perspective illusion. Reverse-perspective lines, if extended to infinity, will converge at a vanishing point on a horizon line located at a preselected viewer's eye height at a predetermined distance from the structure but they are not parallel to the horizontal structural foundation.

Abstract: A unitized cladding system that incorporates energy reducing and harvesting technologies may be installed on a building's exterior wall to reduce the building's net energy consumption and costs. A method for configuring a unitized cladding system to optimize a building's energy savings involves measuring the building's current energy consumption based on information relating to the building's site and composition, designing and assembling cladding units that incorporate suitable energy saving and harvesting modules, and measuring the effects of the cladding system on the building's net energy consumption. This method may be enabled by a software program product.

Abstract: The pressure plate assembly is used for securing curtain wall panels. The pressure plate assembly includes an elongated base member and an elongated stiffening member. At least a portion of the interior main face of the stiffening member is removably engagable against a corresponding mating surface on the exterior main face of the base member. The stiffening member is made of a material having a mechanical stress resistance higher than that of the material of the base member. At least one longitudinally-extending thermal insulation chamber is provided within a space located between the interior main face of the base member and the interior main face of the stiffening member.

Abstract: A wall cap comprising an end cap and insulating sound-dampening material can be installed with a building structure having an interior wall to decrease the transmission of sound and vibration from the building structure to the interior wall.

Abstract: The system includes a concealed, glazing retention method and system for use with a fire rated structurally glazed curtain wall. In one embodiment, a pressure plate is configured to be coupled to a building structure and positionable between an outer face of the fire rated glazing unit and an inner face of the glass unit. A plurality of retaining members can secure the pressure plate to the building structure.

Abstract: Such a substructure has vertically and horizontally running profiles which are fastened on a masonrywork wall, cross over one another and have holes. So that there is no need for dimensionally accurate installation, or for holes to be drilled into the profiles at the building site, in order to avoid displacement of a profile when the connection between the profiles is being loosened, both the vertically and the horizontally running profiles have slots, wherein the slots of the vertically running profile cross over the slots of the horizontally running profile, and at least one of the profiles has a channel-like cross section, it being possible for a plate which has a slot to be inserted into the channel, and fixed, at the crossover point of the profiles, the slot of said plate crossing over the slots of the vertically and of the horizontally running profiles and it being possible for the plate to be locked to the profiles by means of a locking component which passes through the crossing-over slots.

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 invention relates to the field of techniques for connecting construction elements suitable for use in the construction of buildings, in the sector of civil engineering. The connection system (1) connects a first construction element (2) to a second construction element (3) and comprises at least one retaining element (1a) integral with the first construction element (2) and an anchoring device (1b) connecting the retaining element (1a) to the second construction element (3); the anchoring device (1b) comprises two wings (4) and a middle part (5), which connects the two wings (4) and is placed in contact with the retaining element (1a); the intrados of the two wings (4) lies on a same plane; the axes of the two wings (4) provide an angle therebetween with the vertex pointing the first construction element (2); each of the two wings (4) is connected to the second construction element (3).

Abstract: A profile system for fastening of facade elements on a building frame, a building frame including the a profile system and a multi-storey building. The profile system includes a profile of a first kind and a profile of a second kind. The facade elements are arranged in the profile of the first kind and are squeezed in place with the profile of the second kind. The profile of the second kind has a groove that is wider than the thickness of the facade element, so that the facade element can be moved in the groove in the profile of the second kind.

Abstract: A paneling system for external building walls includes: panels; bottom and top panel adapters attached to the panels with anchor plates; sill, head and wall girts; top and bottom panel shelves; and panel alignment mechanisms. The top panel shelves are configured for complimentary engagement with the top panel adapter and with the head and wall girts; and the bottom panel shelves are configured for complimentary engagement with the bottom panel adapters and with the sill and wall girts. A method for installing the paneling system includes attaching the sill, head wall girts to the wall; attaching the top and bottom panel shelves to the corresponding head girt, sill girt or wall girt; attaching the top and bottom panel adapters to each panel; attaching top panel adapters to the top panel shelves; attaching the bottom panel adapters to the bottom panel shelves; and aligning the panel using the adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A removable highly secured high impact wall panel mounting system for mounting at least one wall panel having a front face, a rear face and at least one first attachment portion attached to a portion of the rear face, to a wall in an area of high traffic, comprising at least one second attachment portion and at least one joint closure having an elongated strip. The elongated strip includes a longitudinal axis and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile including a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. Each pair of flanges is disposed substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the strip. In one embodiment, a bottom support bracket is provided to cooperate with a plurality of hooks disposed on a wall panel. A vacuum lifter is further provided to make removal of the wall panel easier.

Abstract: A system used for cladding new or existing buildings with an aluminium carrier support framework, providing a fixing grid for application of a variety of pressure equalised rainscreen panels. The unique flexibility of the components provides the opportunity to design a full carrier grid for direct application to the building structure or a partial secondary support to various alternative primary systems which may form part a through wall design. The system has two standard methods of construction: 1. Fabrication on site from standard components using the I section for primary support, 2. Pre-assembly at works to a repetitive grid format, utilising the ‘hollow box section’ and associated components for primary support, improving overall speed of installation and assisting fast-track programme—‘The Ladder System’. The unique versatility of the BX horizontal rail and straps are common to both methods.

Abstract: The invention can be efficiently used for intensively learning different disciplines, including foreign languages, and for forming and automating operational skills of professionals in different field of activity. It makes it possible to obtain a technical result and a high-quality intensive training. The use of a training aid is developed according to a synergetic theory in the form of a synergetic training device and makes it possible to provide a synergetic variant of intensive training. The synergetic training device is embodied in a dynamic technical device consisting of several soundproof booths which comprise training facilities and technical means using a sensor system.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward slotted tracks, in particular slotted tracks for an exterior wall application. Embodiments can include tracks with elongate reinforcing ribs on the tracks' flanges and/or web, tabs and/or protruding ribs for supporting and positioning exterior sheathing elements, second slot patterns along the length of the web of the track to allow for attachment and drift movement of the track with another wall component, and guide marks to identify proper locations for attachment of fasteners.

Abstract: A façade system for buildings provides supports for glass having less surface area, whereby a more undisturbed view to the outside is provided. The equipping is conducted by fastening the used insulating transparent pane units in two steps. The weight of the used glass pane elements is supported by bearings that may be arranged at any position of at least one substantially horizontal or substantially vertical structure element. Due to their substantially horizontal or vertical alignment the bearings do not influence the size of the visible portion of the faced structure. To keep the panes tight on the building, pressure structure elements are mounted from the outside of the building to fasten the panes tight on the building structure or a carrying element of the building.

Abstract: A panel-sealing and securing system for securing a panel to a mullion coupled with weather seal pressure gaskets for sealing exterior joints under high wind velocity. The mullion is formed in one piece or in two halves of a split mullion which occurs at the joint between multiple pre-fabricated units of a unitized grid system. The mullion has a concealed front corner cavity adjacent to panel for installing the panel-sealing and securing system. For weather sealing, elastic pressure gaskets and expansion joints comprising panel gasket seals at a joint between the panel and the mullion and mullion gasket seals at a joint between the two halves of split mullion where a unitized split mullion system is used. To securing the panel to the mullion and allow for thermal expansion movement of the panel, two segments formed in one piece or in two hinge connected pieces include a gasket holder segment and a spacer plate segment.

Abstract: A system and method providing a facade for portable toilets and other structures includes a plurality of panels that mimic or emulate a more aesthetically pleasings structure. The facade may provide the appearance of a house or other structure to disguise the less appealing form of a portable toilet. One, two, three or more panels connect about a portable toilet structure and may partially or completely connect to the portable toilet structure itself. The facade is optionally comprised of lightweight and easily transportable material.

Abstract: A seal plate for building panels includes an elongate body having a first side and a second side. The first side of the elongate body includes first and second seals and a recessed channel. The first and second seals and the recessed channel extend at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. The recessed channel is positioned between the first and second seals.

Abstract: Provided is a panel fixing device with which panels can be rapidly and easily installed to reduce a construction period and a broken panel can be easily replaced with a new one to easily perform maintenance of the panel. For this, the panel fixing device is configured to fix a plurality of panels having anchor bolts protruding rearward therefrom to a wall of a building and maintaining the panels to the wall of the building, and includes a wall-fixing bracket, a connecting plate, a first connecting bracket and a second connecting bracket, wherein a fixing pin and a support pin protrude upward and downward from a front side of the connecting plate, and an auxiliary hole, a first auxiliary long hole and a second auxiliary long hole are formed in the connecting plate, the first connecting bracket and the second connecting bracket to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A system for supporting exterior panels or cladding units on a building substrate. The system includes a plurality of polymeric bracket members, wherein each of the polymeric bracket members further includes an anchor section, adapted to be coupled to the building substrate, and a support section adapted to couple to the exterior cladding unit. In assembly, as disposed between the building substrate and the exterior cladding units, the polymeric bracket members provide a thermal break from the exterior cladding units to the building substrate.

Abstract: A structural system that is capable of absorbing high impactive and impulsive loads comprises of the following elements: (a) Main Structure: should be one of certain types of structures such as: containments, reservoirs, tanks, storages, etc. (b) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (c) Anchorage System: a set of anchors that hold the outer shield in place and collapses if the impactive or impulsive load exceeds certain level allowing the outer shield to slide crushing the filling layer and absorbing substantial amount of energy.

Abstract: The foldable sliding wall includes at least a first and a second wall element that are pivotally connected to one another and pivotally held by a first and a second head carriage, which are displaceably supported in a head rail. A first head fitting is mounted at the upper side of the first wall element and is connected to a first shaft, which is supported in a first carriage body of the first head carriage and a second head fitting is mounted at the upper side of the second wall element and is connected to a second shaft, which is supported in a second carriage body of the second head carriage.

Abstract: Movable partitions and partition systems include a sheet of interconnected panels configured to fold in an accordion fashion. At least two of the interconnected panels have first and second lateral ends extending between a top edge and a bottom edge of the panels. The lateral ends may comprise generally cylindrical structures having openings comprising gaps between lateral edges of the respective panel and a first major surface of the respective panel. The first lateral end of one panel may be engaged with the second lateral end of another panel of the at least two panels. The lateral edges may be enlarged. The at least two panels can extend to a fully extended state in which they are coplanar. Methods of foaming movable partitions and partition systems include forming and interconnecting such panels. Methods of repairing movable partitions and partition systems include disengaging such panels by applying lateral forces therebetween.

Abstract: A frame unit of a curtain wall has a mullion, a beam and a connecting device. The mullion has a mullion recess and a mullion channel. The beam is substantially the same as the mullion and has a beam recess and a beam channel. The connecting device has a first group and a second group. The first group has a plate, two chunks and two bolts. The plate is mounted in the mullion recess. The chunks are mounted in the mullion channel. The bolts are mounted through the plate and are respectively screwed into the chunks. The second group is the same as the first group and is similarly connected with the beam. Because one beam can be connected with and spreads forces to multiple mullions, a structure of a curtain wall can be enhanced.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a vertical alignment structure including at least one roller element coupled to a portion of a movable partition and a ramp configured to abut against the at least one roller element to vertically align the portion of the movable partition to engage with a strike plate. Methods of vertically aligning the movable partition include coupling at least one vertical alignment structure to the movable partition including coupling at least one structural frame member to the movable partition and coupling the at least one roller element to the at least one structural frame member and installing at least one ramp to an overhead structure configured to abut the at least one roller element and vertically align a leading end of the movable partition.

Abstract: A lateral displacement preventing member is provided with a back-side locking piece that extends from a lower end of an upper fixing plate of the lateral displacement preventing member downward and parallel to a lower fixing plate. Thus, during disposition of the lateral displacement preventing member in a horizontal joint portion of exterior wall boards, the lateral displacement preventing member can be attached in a state in which an upper end portion of an upper horizontal portion of a first fastening member disposed in a vertical joint portion of the exterior wall boards is inserted in an inverted U-shaped groove formed by the back-side locking piece, an extended portion, and the lower fixing plate of the lateral displacement preventing member.

Abstract: A modular curtainwall system and a method for forming a curtainwall unit are provided. The modular curtainwall system comprises a unit frame and a cassette. The cassette comprises a subframe and an interior portion. The stick unit frame and cassette may be assembled into a curtainwall unit at an offsite facility.

Abstract: A removable highly secured high impact wall panel mounting system for mounting at least one wall panel having a front face, a rear face and at least one first attachment portion attached to a portion of the rear face, to a wall in an area of high traffic, comprising at least one second attachment portion and at least one joint closure having an elongated strip. In some embodiments, the joint closure further comprises a plurality of pairs of flanges. In another embodiment, the joint closure further comprises an elongated bottom plate. The elongated strip includes a longitudinal axis and a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile including a top wall, a bottom wall and two side walls connecting the top wall to the bottom wall. Each pair of flanges is disposed substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the strip. Each flange is substantially an isosceles trapezoid and comprises a top surface, a weakened base and two inwardly pointing sides extending from each end of the weakened base.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of mullion retrofit adaptors, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over the front side of at least some mullion of the existing supporting framework. It also includes a plurality of new mullions, each having a rear side configured and disposed to fit over at least some of the retrofit adaptors. A method for refurbishing an existing curtain wall attached to a base structure is also presented. This proposed concept can significantly reduce the time and costs for refurbishing an existing curtain wall.

Abstract: A building element includes a glass panel defining an outer circumferential rim including at least two rectilinear segments, a first one of which defines a first length and a second one of which defines a second length. The glass panel is made of hardened glass and has a specific coefficient of thermal expansion. The building element further includes a first pultruded element having a length corresponding to the first length, and a second pultruded element having a length corresponding to the second length. The first and second pultruded elements are adhered in a high strength integral adhesion to the hardened glass panel along the first and second rectilinear segments, respectively, and the pultruded elements have a content of reinforcing fibers for providing a coefficient of thermal expansion of the pultruded elements substantially corresponding to the specific coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A blanket or curtain of flexible fire retardant material is collapsed and retained within a retaining housing construction positioned adjacent to a curtain wall assembly for firestop sealing thereover. The housing includes a safing angle member secured to the curtain wall assembly and a cover which releases responsive to sensing fire conditions to allow the firestopping blanket to deploy downwardly to extend between curtain wall framing members and be positioned extending across a curtain wall panel for fire protection thereover. Such curtain wall panels are commonly made of glass which tends to fracture during a hot fire. The cover will release the blanket responsive to controlled failure of fusible links which secure the cover to the safing angle member. After deployment the blanket will deflect fire and heat away from the curtain wall panel to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent floors.

Abstract: A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade. Electrical power can be more advantageously generated from surface areas of building structures previously untapped for solar energy harvesting.

Abstract: Interlocking glass setting block supports are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an interlocking glass setting block support includes a setting block chair; and a setting block, wherein the setting block chair comprises a lower face having at least one locking nub sufficiently designed, when positioned in a groove of a horizontal member of a curtain wall, to fit within a recess of the groove, wherein the setting block comprises a lower face and a back edge, wherein the back edge has at least one locking nub sufficiently designed, when positioned in the groove of the horizontal member of the curtain wall, to fit within a space created between the upper face of the setting block chair and an entry site of the groove, and wherein the lower face has a pressure sensitive adhesive, the pressure sensitive adhesive sufficiently designed to adhere the setting block to the setting block chair.

Abstract: It comprises a series of vertical profiles (1, 20, 21) anchored to cogged brackets (3) and previously fixed to the slabs or resistant structure of the building. It also comprises horizontal profiles (15) which are fastened to said vertical profiles and to which retention clamps (27, 28, 29, 32, 33) are connected in the flagstones (24), which have grooves on their horizontal edges. The vertical profile (1, 20, 21) has a frontal “C” rail (18) which is fixed to one of the U-shaped parts (16) that interconnect with other parts (17) mounted on a C-rail (19) of the horizontal profile (15). The horizontal profile (15) includes frontal upwards flanges (25, 26) for anchoring clamps (27, 28, 29, 32, 33) with flanges (31) to be inserted in the grooving of the flagstones (24).

Abstract: A curtain wall including an extruded aluminum sill having a first channel for receiving a glazed panel, a sill anchor/access portion for securing the sill to a poured concrete slab or slab wall, and toward the interior side of the sill, a wireway is defined in part by the sill and in part by a wireway cover for concealing power and/or data/telecommunication cables. The wireway cover may also include outlet devices or plugs arranged in a longitudinally spaced relationship.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a unitized overhead glazing system of the present invention includes an array of assembled structural framing cassettes each having at least five photovoltaic modules. In an embodiment, each cassette forms one electrical string and is pre-wired, tested, and shipped ready to install for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, parking canopies, covered walkways and specialty awnings. The unitized overhead glazing system can be utilized to generate electricity, provide shade, collect water, reduce heat island effect, provide more controlled lighting and support infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. The unitized overhead glazing system is designed to be installed and maintained from below, eliminating safety concerns associated with conventional canopies where work must be performed while on top of the canopy. The unitized overhead glazing system incorporates sealing methods and components to manage water, limit debris build up, and maximize energy yield.

Abstract: A self-leveling structural element in a non-progressive attachment system, a U-shaped retentive clip having a base and two upwardly extending arms that are forced apart by the installation of a self-drilling screw, the novel retentive clip with screw coacting with an extruded frame to mount and retain a plurality of aluminum composite material (ACM) panels in a coplanar manner, to form an Aluminum Composite Cladding System, for a non-progressive system that enables removal of individual panels for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A building panel mounting system comprising a rail attachment strap, a rail, a rail attachment profile and a building panel. The rail attachment strap is connectable to a support structure, extends along a longitudinal axis and includes one or more rail support brackets. The rail is connected to the rail support bracket and extends in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The rail attachment profile has an engagement formation removably connected to the rail. The building panel is connected to the rail attachment profile.