Abstract: A blast-proof window and mullion system for sustaining and mitigating an explosion and/or blast to the window and mullion system on a multi-storied building or structure. The window and mullion system includes a blast-resistant mullion having a mullion housing with mullion walls with outer surfaces; and a pressure bar member having a pressure bar housing with an interior wall and a pair of outer walls being connected to the interior wall to form a center channel opening. The outer walls are angled for reducing the space between the angled walls and for reducing the size of the center channel opening for reduction of bullet and/or blast penetration to the interior wall of the pressure bar member. Also, one of the mullion walls of the mullion housing includes a mullion tongue thereon having a pair of tongue extension arms for forming a vertical bolt receiving channel therebetween.

Abstract: An airloop wall system with durable water-tightness performance is disclosed. The system comprises a base anchor member secured to a top surface of a first floor slab, a base track connected to the base anchor, a base flashing for repelling moisture, a first ceiling anchor member secured to a bottom surface of the first floor slab, a first ceiling track connected to the first ceiling anchor member, a slab edge panel attached to the base track and the first ceiling track, a second ceiling anchor member secured to a bottom surface of a second floor slab, a second ceiling track connected to the second ceiling anchor member, a panel sill frame attached to the base track, a panel head frame attached to the second ceiling track, two jamb frames, and a panel secured between the frames. Corners of the frames are miter-matched such that air spaces inside form an airloop.

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 decorative, modular wall panel system is disclosed that allows easy installation and that is adaptable to a variety of wall lengths by allowing the decorative panels to float on an easily installed frame assembly. A skeletal, hidden frame structure is attached to the preexisting wall over which the modular wall panel system is to be installed, and is configured to hold the decorative panel system in place without penetrating the decorative members with fasteners such as nails or screws, thus eliminating the need for wood fillers, plugs, caulking, paints, or stains and touch-up kits to fix blemishes on the decorative panels that would otherwise be caused by attaching them to a wall surface.

Abstract: A system for fastening an element, particularly made of fragile material such as glass, to a bearing structure or a framework at least at one point. At least at one fastening point, the system includes a mechanical connection device for fixing the element to a framework or bearing structure or connecting to an adjacent similar element. At least one arm at a first end is connected to a fastener mechanically connected to the element, and at a second end is connected to a joining piece. The joining piece includes a tubular envelope that contains a mechanism for adjusting degrees of freedom of the fixing or of the connection. A wall including at least one fixed or opening element can be fixed to a structure or a framework by such a mechanical connection device.

Abstract: A surface facing system for covering edifices includes vertical intermediate profiled members, two profiled support members, and at least one exposed element accommodated therein. A top and a bottom receiving and guiding groove is formed on the profiled support member by situating a segment on the front side of the profiled support member and a profiled holding element. The exposed element has a base frame and a plate-shaped element connected to the base frame via its back side. The base frame has at least two horizontal profiled members and at least two vertical profiled members. At least one of the vertical profiled members is connected in a non-positive, form-fit manner to the horizontal profiled members while the other vertical profiled members are connected in a form-fit manner. The exposed element is received in the receiving and guiding groove as a spring via a leg of the horizontal profiled members.

Abstract: A curtain wall system is assembled by a plurality of panels supported by a curtain-wall supporting mullion. The panels comprise one or more functional types of panels: transition panels and adjacent panels that can be joined at the top or/and bottom side of the transition panels because each of the panels has a male frame member is used to engage with the adjacent panels each having a female frame member. In each transition panel, a frame is assembled by a jamb frame member connecting with the upper frame member and the lower frame member. As a result, the curtain wall system can be easily erected in a bottom-up procedure, a top-down procedure, or the combination of the two.

Abstract: Apparatus to protect glazed window or door panels against cold manifestation effective migration via glazing panel edge defined gaps, there being spaced apart outer, intermediate and inner glazing panels, the apparatus comprising holder structure projecting longitudinally endwise radially inwardly in said gaps, the holder structure being laterally sidewardly elongated, first synthetic resinous material retained by the holder structure to face laterally in a gap toward opposed intermediate panel edges, the material adjustably located at a position relative to the opposed intermediate panel edges characterized in that cold manifestation migrating through the gap via said material is confined to migrate in the spacing between the outer and intermediate panels, at opposite sides of the gap.

Abstract: There can be provided a method of cladding a surface with panelling. The method can comprise: attaching a first panel support member to the surface, the first panel support member being configured to receive at least a part of a first edge of a panel comprising a core of woven and non-woven glass impregnated with resin and a surface finish of paper and melamine resin; placing the first edge in a position of co-operative reception with the first panel support member; and placing a second edge of the panel substantially opposite the first edge in a position of co-operative reception with a second panel support member, the second panel support member being configured to be attached to the surface.

Abstract: A transparent substrate having a glazing function, provided with a thin-film multi-layer coating, which acts on solar radiation, applicable, for example, in the architectural or automotive fields. The multilayer coating comprises at least two absorbent functional layers each flanked by two transparent layers comprising a dielectric material. Preferably, the functional layers are based on a metal belonging to the group consisting of: niobium, tantalum, molybdenum and zirconium, and the metal or at least one of the functional layers may be partially or entirely nitrided.

Abstract: A compression bar system for a braced façade structure is disclosed. The system includes a compression bar, and connecting elements connectable to the compression bar. Each connecting element is formed as a pre-fabricated part and is connectable to tie elements.

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: An affordable, sustainable building, comprising substantially entirely mass-produced, prefabricated constituent parts manufactured off-site, the prefabricated constituent parts comprising a foundation, a frame module comprising a plurality of frames, wherein the frame module is secured to the foundation, a reversible connector to connect the plurality of frames to form the frame module, a wall panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, a floor panel configured to be mounted onto the frame module, and a ceiling panel configured to be mounted on to the frame module. Each constituent part forms part of a library of parts from which the constituent parts are selected. The constituent parts are preferably made in standardized sizes to facilitate efficient mass production. The constituent parts are predominantly made of recyclable material so as to be environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A rain screen system for attaching an array of panels to the outside of a building, by means of a track system. The track system includes a series of horizontal mounting tracks that extend across the entire width of the panel array. Each horizontal mounting track has an upturned building-side leg that forms both a mounting flange, through a local shim, to the building, as well as the building side of a water tight, continuous, self draining gutter system. Each track also has an upturned panel-side leg that forms both a mounting flange for the lower edge of a panel and the panel side of the gutter system. Each track also forms a water seal at the top edge of the panel. The gutter system has a weep holes on the panel side of the gutter system, adapted so that drainage is fed to the top of the lower panel.

Abstract: A bracket structure for external wall 2 which is excellent in constructability and stability with fixing an external wall, and an external wall construction structure 1 using the bracket for external wall 2. A bracket structure for external wall 2 used for fixing a fiber reinforced cement siding 7, 7? and an outside corner material to a front surface of the wall surface 8 of building via a securing fastening member A, A, A?, A?, furring 6, 6? and a thermal insulating material placed on a front surface of the wall surface 8 of building.

Abstract: A connector device is provided for a curtain wall system of the type having structural members secured to the building framing to define frames to support glazing panels. The glazing panels each have a sash by which they are secured to the frames of structural members to form an outer wall portion of a building. The curtain wall system has connector devices securing one of the glazing panels to the frames of structural members. The connector device comprises a keeper secured to a frame, and a latch mechanism secured opposite the keeper on the sash. The latch mechanism has a latch bolt automatically displaceable to a locking position upon contact with the keeper. The keeper and the latch mechanism cooperate in the locking position to lock the glazing panel to the frame in a secured position. A method for installing the connector device is also provided.

Abstract: A prefabricated form assembly for making a concrete floor is disclosed. The form comprises an elongated form plate having a front for forming and retaining a flowable concrete material before it sets, anchor elements extending from the back face of the form plate, and being destined to be embedded into the concrete floor; and an L-shaped lintel having a back wall connected to the front face of the form plate and a bearing wall for supporting a masonry wall. Advantageously the construction of a concrete floor adapted to structurally retain a masonry wall using prefabricated form assemblies according to the invention no more requires the use of different groups of workers from different building trades as in the prior art, only one group of workers is required.

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) Crushable Filling Layer: a layer made of crushable, thermally isolating and fire resisting material surrounding the outer walls of the main structure and filling a space between the main structure and an outer shield. (c) Outer Shield: an outside hardened structure fixed by an anchorage system and resting on a sliding-plane. (d) 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: Building façade attachable to a building. The building façade includes at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels. Each respective façade panel including horizontal top and bottom edges and two vertical side edges. At least one recess is arranged on a surface of each respective façade panel directed towards the building. The at least one recess is arranged parallel to the two vertical side edges. At least one groove is arranged on the horizontal bottom edge of each respective façade panel. A mounting construction has at least one attachment element extending into the at least one groove of each respective façade panel and at least one guiding projection extending into the at least one vertical recess of each respective façade panel. The at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another.

Abstract: A frame hanger apparatus including a rectangular wall piece for attachment to a wall and a frame piece attachable to a picture frame. The wall piece has front and back surfaces, the front surface having a lower lip and an upper lip formed thereon. The lower lip has an arced top surface, and the upper lip has first and second elongated horizontally disposed mounting slots positioned therein. The frame piece has a lip projecting from the front surface which has an arced surface thereon. The arced top surface of the wall piece is dimensioned to dovetail with the arced surface of the lip of the frame piece and an overhanging lip on the wall piece is positioned so as to lock the wall piece and frame piece together.

Abstract: An interlocking curtain wall insulation system for a building having a backer bar spaced from a floor slab defining a perimeter void between the floor slab and an outer wall, a safing insulation disposed above the backer bar and compression fit within the perimeter void between the floor slab and the backer bar, a first curtain wall insulation extending from an upper surface of the safing insulation adjacent the backer bar, a second curtain wall insulation depending from the backer bar.

Abstract: A building facade including an exterior envelope including facade elements, a rain barrier, profiled holding and supporting elements fixed vertically to floor edges, a thermal insulation system including a first insulating element in front of floor edges and a second insulating element on the inside, between floors, a vapor barrier, and an interior lining. The first insulating element is basically continuous across the surface of the facade, or is essentially free of air pockets, two adjacent breadths of the first insulating element being separated by a flat surface of the profiled elements projecting forwards of the floor edges.

Abstract: Glazing system for buildings, comprising a number of module elements (1) arranged to be joined to parts that are part of a building without intermediate framework. The elements comprises a glass sheet (3) each, which is supported by the frame (18) of the building, by means of supporting elements (22) and is retained in an intended position by means of retaining devices (23) supported by the frame, which retaining devices (23) each one is arranged to be joined with the sheet by means of attachment elements (12). The attachment elements (12) are arranged with organs (38) for coupling the attachment elements to coupling organs (43) on the respective retaining device (23), before being mounted on the building frame, the module elements (1) are arranged with the attachment elements (12) attached, which thus form a handling protection against damages of the edge of the sheet (3).

Abstract: A multi-storied garage having an energy efficient ventilation system that incorporates a unique window array and vertically mounted energy producing wind turbines located in a corner of the garage structure that would otherwise be unusable for vehicle parking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plane structure, such as a wall, floor, ceiling or roof, comprising profiles (3A) extending mutually parallel in a first direction, elements (1) which can be coupled releasably to the profiles, wherein a profile extends on both sides of an element and wherein the elements are coupled to both adjacent profiles. The invention also relate to the elements and profiles for use in this structure, as well as to the method for building such a structure. An automatic positioning of the elements is created as a result of these measures; this then no longer depends on the skill of the builder. Owing to the releasability of the coupling the elements can simply be stacked on the profiles.

Abstract: A system for attaching architectural panels to the outer surface of a residential or commercial building includes a vertically disposed stiffener attached to a panel and also to the outer surface of the building. The stiffener interlocks with a base clip which is attached to an adjacent upper panel. A vertically disposed bracket and a clip are each attached to opposite edges of the panel. The vertically disposed bracket and the clip engage a second clip and a second bracket, respectively, in an adjacent panel in order to attach the panel to the outer surface of the building.

Abstract: A wall materials bracket comprises a base piece 11, a catching piece 12, a spacing piece 13 and a holding piece 14, and further includes a leaning means for leaning an insulation put on the catching piece 12 against a wall substrate. For example, the leaning means is constructed with the upper half 111 of the upper part 110 of the base piece 11, a slope 113 in the lower half 112 of the upper part 110, and a cavity 132 and bosses (133) in the upper part 130 of the spacing piece 13.

Abstract: A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade.

Abstract: A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or facade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the facade including both in vision and spandrel areas.

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: A UL compliant 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, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

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: The invention concerns a building façade having an inner wall, an insulation layer, an outer cladding layer and profiles for securing the outer cladding to the inner wall. Air gab for ventilation is provided between the insulation layer and the outer cladding. The insulation layer comprises insulation panels having two major large surfaces and four minor edge surfaces and the insulation panels have layers of insulation of different densities extending parallel to the two major surfaces, where a layer with a density above an average density of the panel is facing the outer cladding.

Abstract: Forming a fenestration unit which may have seismic safe properties and/or fire resistance rated properties for use in buildings and other structures includes edge attaching a panel of any applicable material, in a continuous fashion, to a supporting mullion by means of a bridging element that withstands and transfers stresses to the supporting mullion. Single or multiple insert parts may be attached to the bridging element and may be integrally embedded between multiple sheets composing the panel, or attached respectively in single or multiple grooves at the edge of the panel. The panel may be composed of multiple laminated sheets. A laminating interlayer between the sheets will hold the sheets together as one sheet. The interlayer can be a liquid that may cure to a rigid material. Alternatively, the interlayer may be provided between the multiple sheets and the assembly may be heated and pressed multiple times.

Abstract: A joining structure, having a sleeve having a first end, a second end, and at least first side; at least one spacer; wherein the sleeve connects a first mullion from the first end of the sleeve and connects a second mullion from the second end of the sleeve; wherein the sleeve extends longitudinally within the first and the second mullions; wherein the at least one spacer extends longitudinally along the length of the at least first side of the sleeve and is situated between an external surface of the at least first side of the sleeve and an internal surface of at least first wall of the first mullion and an internal surface of at least first wall of the second mullion; and wherein the at least one spacer prevents direct mating between the at least first side of the sleeve and the at least first wall of the first mullion and the at least first wall of the second mullion.

Abstract: A panel for providing explosion-resistant curtain walls comprising at least one glass pane suitable to form a glazing unit, and associated with a supporting frame constituted by at least two uprights connected, at their upper and lower ends, by at least two cross-members. The panel comprises an interconnection device for strengthening and interconnecting the uprights and the cross-members, a guiding device for strengthening and guiding in position two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged one above the other, and a limiting device for limiting mutual rotation of two contiguous uprights of two panels arranged side by side.

Abstract: There are currently two major types of exterior building envelope finishing systems: window wall systems, and curtain wall systems. Window wall systems use panels which fit between concrete floor slaps, and hence, are prone to leakage and are not aesthetically appealing. Curtain wall systems are installed proud of the concrete slabs, so have better performance, but are expensive to install. The system of the invention has the high performance of a curtain wall system, with the ease of installation of a window wall system. The invention uses rigid panels which cover the face of a building like a curtain wall system, providing a complete gasketed seal without the need for caulking as in the case of window wall systems. The vertical mullions are notched, so that the mullions can be easily anchored to the upper and lower surfaces of the concrete slabs.

Abstract: A curtain wall system having a mullion mounting tongue screw-race configuration for improving the efficiency and reliability of curtain wall elements assembled thereto. The curtain wall system includes a face, a first leg, and a second leg. The first and second leg are integrally formed with and extend outwardly from the face and are interconnected via an intermediate web section. Each of the first leg and the second leg include an outer screw-race lip and an inner screw-race lip. The inner screw-race lips and the outer screw-race lips are disposed on opposite sides of the intermediate web section to form a screw race. The inner screw-race lips and the outer screw-race lips are spaced apart by a distance affording engagement by a threaded fastener against each of the inner screw-race lips and the outer screw-race lips. A thickness of the intermediate web section is less than a thickness of the first leg and of the second leg.

Abstract: A mullion sealing bridge and method for use in a curtain wall system. In one aspect, the bridge is placed at an intersection horizontal and vertical mullions to divert fluid along the curtain wall system. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A curtain wall mounting system for cantilevered support of at least one structure. The system includes an anchor plate adapted to integrally mount with a web section of a curtain wall. The curtain wall web section includes either a hollow tongue web extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion or an integrally formed flange region extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion. The anchor plate has at least one generally planer body portion with a first set of mating apertures adapted for alignment with the first set of fastening apertures of the web. The first set of apertures are oriented generally perpendicular to the tension forces transmitted by the anchor plate. The anchor plate also includes a second set of apertures adapted for securing of structures outwardly from the curtain wall.

Abstract: A fixing system for fixing a panel of fragile material to a bearing structure, including at least one point fastener engaging with at least one first contact region produced in the panel. The point fastener includes a first anchoring part at a first contact region and a second anchoring part at a second contact region situated on the panel. The first and second anchoring parts are connected by at least one adjusting device configured to bring the first and second anchoring parts to bear against the first and second contact regions respectively and are situated in the plane of the panel.

Abstract: Building façade attachable to a building. The building façade includes at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels. Each respective façade panel including horizontal top and bottom edges and two vertical side edges. At least one recess is arranged on a surface of each respective façade panel directed towards the building. The at least one recess is arranged parallel to the two vertical side edges. At least one groove is arranged on the horizontal bottom edge of each respective façade panel. A mounting construction has at least one attachment element extending into the at least one groove of each respective façade panel and at least one guiding projection extending into the at least one vertical recess of each respective façade panel. The at least two horizontally adjacent façade panels are aligned approximately parallel to one another.

Abstract: A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.

Abstract: A cladding system for cladding a supporting structure, the cladding system includes two cladding panels each defining a respective substantially laterally extending panel flange. The cladding panels are attachable to the supporting structure in a substantially coplanar and side-by-side relationship relatively to each other. The system also includes a cladding moulding insertable between the first and second cladding panel, the cladding moulding defining a moulding base and two moulding legs each extending from the moulding base substantially opposed to each other, the two moulding legs being angled relatively to the moulding base, each of the moulding legs defining a respective leg edge substantially opposed to the moulding base. The cladding moulding being substantially resiliently deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the moulding legs being spaced apart from each other by a smaller distance in the deformed configuration than in the undeformed configuration.

Abstract: A high impact, moisture resistant, wall panel system and methods for mounting a high impact, moisture resistant wall panel to an existing structure are disclosed herein. A high impact, moisture resistant wall panel includes an inert substrate composed of a high density inorganic material, wherein the substrate is dimensionally stable, a laminate composed of a substantially rigid polymeric material, and an adhesive for engaging the laminate to the substrate.

Abstract: A skin-panel sub-frame panel having spaced, upper, lower and lateral edges, designed to occupy an upright plane adjacent the outside of a plural-story building frame, with a vertical dimension which is substantially the same as inter-floor story-height in the frame. The sub-frame includes (a) an elongate beam component defining the sub-frame's upper edge, and (b) plural interconnect-accommodating site structure sets formed in and distributed along the length of that component organized with (1) a first, upwardly facing set, and (2) a second inwardly facing set, which sets define orthogonally intersecting interconnect planes. Each first set accommodates a position-stabilizing, load-transferring inter-sub-frame interconnection between a pair of vertically next-adjacent sub-frames, and each second set accommodates a similar interconnection between a sub-frame and building infrastructure which is located within the mentioned building frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes that include tiles having an extending member that is disposed within a concavity on the bottom side of the tile and that extends a distance therefrom. The extending member may additionally be coupled to an anchor member disposed within the concavity on the bottom side of the tile. The extending member is set within a substrate such that it is held fast, thereby improving the bonding of the tile to the substrate.

Abstract: A curtain wall system having a framing of mullions and transoms. The mullions have a mullion body portion and a mullion nose portion and spaced notches in the mullion body portion. The penetrating transom have a transom body portion and a transom nose portion. The transom nose portion has extensions extending beyond opposed ends of the transom body portion received in the notches of the mullion body portions whereby the framing portion is formed for sealing receiving a panel to form an air barrier, with a gap being defined between the extensions of the transoms and the mullion nose portions. Pressure plates are connected to the mullions and transoms to form a sash with the framing portion so as to secure the panels within the sash. A seal member blocks each gap to form a pressurized cavity with the sash about the glass panel.

Abstract: An interlocking curtain wall insulation system for a building having a backer bar spaced from a floor slab defining a perimeter void between the floor slab and an outer wall, a safing insulation disposed above the backer bar and compression fit within the perimeter void between the floor slab and the backer bar, a first curtain wall insulation extending from an upper surface of the safing insulation adjacent the backer bar, a second curtain wall insulation depending from the backer bar.

Abstract: This invention refers to curtain walls capable of resisting the seismic forces of major earthquakes without breakage of their glass panes and without deformation or distortion of their structure. The above can be achieved through the operational separation of the curtain wall of each storey from those of adjacent storeys, by formation of a sliding line on the top of the windows (2.3), through the mutual hooks of suspension of the windows (6.3, 6.10) so that the displacement of the one storey to be independent from the others. The structure of the curtain wall of each storey confined only to the fixed part of the curtain wall of the storey and consists of the uprights (3.1), the sill-beam (3.2), the lintel-beam (3.3) and the attachments (3.4). There are no uprights in the region of windows. The uprights of the structure of curtain wall of each storey at no case are touching the glass panels. The interstorey drifts (6) are in all directions absorbed by the suspension joints of the windows (7.5) and (7.