Abstract: An adjustable mounting assembly (70a/70b) for installing solar cell modules (58) on a building surface (34) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (70a/70b) includes a mounting device (74), a stud (114) that may be threaded to the mounting device (74), a clamping member (142) that may be positioned on the stud (114), and a nut (128) that may be threaded onto the stud (114) to secure the clamping member (142) to the mounting device (74). A nut (126) is fixed to the stud (114) at an intermediate location along its length. This fixed nut (126) may be used to tighten the stud (114) to a mounting device (74), and furthermore may be positioned such that the stud (114) does not extend into a slot (90) of the mounting device (74).

Abstract: The present invention provides for 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; thereby comprising a non-progressive system that enables removal of individual panels for replacement or repair.

Abstract: A building wall system includes first and second barrier panels, and an exterior facade system. Each panel includes an inner sheet and an outer sheet with a foam core positioned between the inner and outer sheets. Each of the inner and outer sheets defines an inner surface and an outer surface, respectively. A joint is defined by the first and second barrier panels. The exterior facade is secured to the first and second barrier panels via a fastener extending through the outer and inner sheets of the first barrier panel and the inner sheet of the second barrier panel without penetrating the inner surfaces of the first and second barrier panels.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.

Abstract: A building envelope system for providing a continuous air, water, vapor and thermal barrier about a building structure is provided. The building envelope system includes framing structurally connected to the building structure and at least one barrier panel attached to an outer face of the framing and providing an air, water, vapor and thermal barrier about the building structure. The at least one barrier panel includes a structural foam core and inner and outer facing sheets provided about the structural foam core. The at least one barrier panel provides structural support for an exterior facade system. The exterior façade system is attachable to the outer facing sheet of the at least one barrier panel such that the air, water, vapor and thermal barrier defined by the at least one barrier panel is maintained.

Abstract: A modular wall system is described that includes a plurality of wall panels, a horizontal main bracket having a length; and a plurality of wall panel brackets. Each wall panel bracket is configured for attachment to a corresponding one of the wall panels. Each wall panel bracket is configured to engage the horizontal main bracket so as to hang the corresponding the wall panel while allowing movement of the wall panels in substantially horizontal directions.

Abstract: Described is a façade structure, having a sub-structure that is formed from vertical and/or horizontal profiled supports, is located in front of a building wall or is anchored in a fixed manner in the ground or in the building wall. Façade panels made of ceramic material are secured to the sub-structure via panel holders (13). For securing the panel holder (13) to the sub-structure, the sub-structure has a vertical flange (14), in which a vertical row of holes (16) is realized by a plurality of elongated holes (14l) located one above another, wherein the elongated holes (14l) each extend at an acute angle to the horizontal and are located parallel to one another, and the row of holes (16) is located between two parallel extending guide ribs (14f), which protrude forward from the vertical flange (14f).

Abstract: In a holding device (1) by means of which one or more panes of glass (2) forming a balustrade (3) is/are supported on a wall (4) or ceiling (5), consisting of a carrier rail (7) holding or supporting the panes of glass (2) and of a holding plate (9) attached to the ceiling (4) or the wall (5), with the carrier rail (7) held in a horizontal direction on the holding plate (9) by means of a U-shaped hook-in pocket (25) projecting from the carrier rail (7), the manufacturing costs for the holding device (1) are to be minimised and the installation complexity for attaching the holding device (1) should be kept as low as possible.

Abstract: A curtain-type facade structure is described, comprising a fixedly supported substructure of vertical or horizontal basic profiled supports and crossing horizontal or vertical profiled supports mounted thereon, panel holders which are fastened to the supporting profiles, and facade panels which are retained by means of the panel holders. The panel holder is composed of separate components, one of the components being designed as a basic holder and another of the components being designed as an elastic clip. The elastic clip latches with the basic holder and forms a seat for the facade panels.

Abstract: Panels (20A, 20B) are attached to extrusions (66A, 66B) by fasteners 90. Clips (70) are attached to a structure (50) by fasteners (35). The extrusions and the clips engage in a manner which allows the panels to move in any direction, as needed, without the panel detaching from the structure and falling. The extrusions also provide for the use of optional reveal strips (87). An extrusion has a restraining area (86), a reveal strip stop area (58), and a T-slot (65). A clip has a T-channel (74), a tensioning stop arm (69), and a secondary reinforcing arm (80). The panels can be installed in rows, in columns, or diagonally, as desired.

Abstract: An adapter (22) for attaching a solar-shading bracket (30) to a curtain walling mullion (10), comprises a body element (24) for location on the curtain walling mullion (10) and adapted to support the solar-shading bracket (30), mullion attaching means (26) for attaching the body element (24) to the curtain walling mullion (10), and bracket attaching means (28) for attaching the solar-shading bracket (30) to the adapter (22). A method and a apparatus having an energy break device are also provided.

Abstract: An improved building panel is presented to make wall surface assemblies on structural building frames. The edge-sealed building panel includes with self-aligning features between adjacent horizontal edges for quick mating and assembly. The building panels have protuberant upper edges mate with grooves on the lower edges for improved sealing and weatherproofing, due to the interlocking shape and the use of compliant seals between the edges. The horizontal mating edge shapes enable pivoting assembly by engaging the building panel obliquely and swinging it onto the wall surface. Vertical mating surfaces with compliant seals are shaped to engage perpendicularly to the wall plane, so that the compliant seals clamp shut without in-plane relative motion, improving seal integrity.

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: What is described is an extruded ceramic facade panel (20) for a ventilated curtain-type facade structure, comprising at least one preferably rear head rebate (25) and one preferably rear foot rebate (26) and also at least one core running in the direction of extrusion, in which panel the wall between the core hole (24) and the rear of the facade panel has at least one elevation (22e) and the thickness of the wall between the highest point of the elevation (22e) and the rear of the facade panel is identical to the thickness of the head rebate (25) and/or to the thickness of the foot rebate (26). A method of producing such a facade panel is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plurality of solar cell units includes a mounting member to be fixed onto a roof, a plurality of fixtures, and a frame member having to-be-sandwiched portions to be sandwiched and fixed between the mounting member and the fixtures, and grooves that support the ends of the plate-shaped solar cell units. The to-be-sandwiched portions of the frame members are positioned inside projection plane regions that project the solar cell units and the grooves immediately below, whereby the distance between adjacent solar cell units reduces.

Abstract: A stone-glass element having at least one stone plate (2) and a supporting plate (1), comprising at least one glass pane which is bonded “large area” to said stone plate by means of a transparent or opaque cast resin layer (4), with the surface of the stone plate opposite of the supporting plate being provided with a moisture-repellant cover layer (7) or a cover plate (3), is characterized in that the stone plate comprises a capillary cut (15) in parallel to at least one side edge being filled with a sealing compound which prevents a moisture diffusion (6) towards the stone plate's (2) interior. It is thus possible to prevent by simple means moisture from diffusing into the stone's interior in case of a stone-glass element of the above-mentioned type to preclude heavy consequential damage from happening. In the process a visual or esthetical impairment, respectively, of the element is to be minimal, if possible, and the technical expense is to preclude considerable cost increases.

Abstract: A power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure.

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 grounding and isolation elements within the curtain wall unit.

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: 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 integrated wiring conduits within an associated curtain wall unit.

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: 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 curtain wall anchor system is provided. The curtain wall anchor system has an anchor assembly comprising an anchor for attaching a curtain wall assembly to a building structure. The anchor system further comprises an enclosure for the anchor, wherein the enclosure defines an area adjacent the anchor. The enclosure also has a removable portion for allowing access to the anchor.

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: 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: The present invention provides a fastening member which can fasten siding boards in which a lateral joint portion is arranged in a portion where a vertical member is not arranged with a sufficient strength, can prevent a displacement, and is excellent in a durability. Another object is to provide a siding boards attachment structure using the fastening member. Further another object is to provide a method of attaching siding boards using the fastening member. The fastening member has a long fixing plate portion. The long fixing plate portion is provided with a first fastening portion for engaging upper and lower end portions in the lateral joint portion of the siding boards, a vertical rising portion in a lower side of the first fastening portion, and a second fastening portion for engaging upper and lower end portions of the siding board in the other portions than the lateral joint portion.

Abstract: A snap-on attachment structure for attaching a side skin to an upright frame of a wall system. The attachment structure includes resilient attachment strips secured to the rear of the skin and extending along upright edges thereof. Each strip cooperates with a projection formed on an upright frame member and extending vertically therealong. The snap-on strip has a pair of cantilevered spring legs which protrude outwardly in angled relationship. The spring legs adjacent outer ends are provided with coil-shaped head parts which protrude inwardly toward one another. The head parts have hollow arcuate configurations and move into gripping engagement with shallow arcuate recesses formed on opposite sides of the projection.

Abstract: A device (1) in glass wall claddings for mounting insulating-glass sheets (12), each glass sheet (12) comprising at least two glass slabs (13, 14), which are joined together by means of a jointing substance (16), said device (1) having a first position, wherein said device (1), upon mounting of said insulating-glass sheet (12), allows the insulating-glass sheet to be placed in the desired position, and a second position, wherein the device (1) grips at least one (13) glass slab of said insulating-glass sheet (12). The device (1) comprises a retainer member (3) and an anchoring member (2). A portion of one part (4) of the anchoring member (2), which part upon mounting of an insulating-glass sheet (12), i.e. as the anchoring member (2) of the device is guided from said first position to said second position, is arranged to penetrate into said jointing substance (16) of an insulating-glass sheet (12) in response to the anchoring member (2) being tilted to said second position.

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: 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 precast under floor air delivery construction is provided which includes a plurality of precast concrete system having an upper base floor surface and a lower surface, a plurality of floor panel support means bearing directly to the upper base floor surface capable of an under floor air delivery between the floor panels and the upper surface, a plurality of access floor panels connected to the support means, and a fire protection barrier applied between the concrete slabs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for facing edifice surfaces, particularly walls. Said system comprises a bottom structure and exposed elements. The exposed elements can be prefabricated with different visible surfaces, have small weights even in large sizes, and are easy to mount. According to the invention, a top and a bottom receiving and guiding groove (14) is formed on the profiled support (15) by arranging a web (12) on the front side of the profiled support (1) as well as a profiled holder (15), the exposed element (2) being correspondingly received in said top and bottom receiving and guiding groove (14) as a spring by means of a leg (13) of the horizontal profiled members (7) of the base frame (5). The exposed element is substantially composed of a base frame (5) and a plate-shaped element (6) while the base frame (5) encompasses at least two horizontal profiled members (7) and at least two vertical profiled members (9) that are placed therebetween.

Abstract: A system with moveable surfaces for building facades comprises means that, in combination, are capable of providing a “double-skin” for said facades during the cold season and of shading the facades from the sun during the hot season. Said system comprises a plurality of sunshade slats and of panes in which the sunshade slats and the panes are moveable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a moisture collection bridge and method for use in a curtain wall system. In one aspect, the moisture collection bridge is placed at an intersection of a vertical mullion and one or more horizontal members. The moisture collection bridge is formed to collect fluid in a recess and divert the fluid out of the curtain wall system through an outlet. 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. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

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 system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall structure, includes a plurality of wall panels, each wall panel having a main panel section and hook walls at edges of the main panel section, with the main panel section and each hook wall having a U-shaped cross-sectional profile. There are also a plurality of fastening extrusions, each fastening extrusion including a securing section for securing the fastening extrusion to the existing wall structure, a first retaining wall structure near one end of the fastening extrusion and adjacent the securing section, the first retaining wall structure including a recess which receives one hook wall of the wall panel, and a second retaining wall structure near another end of the fastening extrusion, the second retaining wall structure including a recess which receives one hook wall of another wall panel.

Abstract: Building frame shear-wall structure and associated methodology wherein the resulting structure includes (a) plural, elongate, spaced, interconnected columns and beams including elongate stretches which define and perimeter nominally open panes, and (b) within each defined and perimetered pane, an introduced, cured body of curable structural flow material spanning and effectively forming a column-and-beam-anchored rigidifying shear panel in the pane.

Abstract: An improved railing/wall system for elevated slab balconies. The system uses a number of fascia brackets to secure posts to the outer face of the elevated slab balcony. The posts have a base track secured to them. Infill panels are then placed between the posts to provide the wall structure. A top rail can be used to cover the top of the infill panels. The lower portion of the infill panels also can be tinted to conceal the face of the concrete balcony, if desired. The infill panels can be selected from a group of materials, including tempered glass, pickets, expanded metal, perforated metal, metal cut with water jets or a composite material.

Abstract: A method and interlocking building system for construction of buildings capable of multiple stories from a variety of standard size panels and a variety of connectors for interlocking the panels. The panels may be horizontally disposed to form floors, ceilings or roofs or may be vertically disposed to form walls. The panels are formed of a plastic shell and contain a plurality of metal strips spaced therein and received within internal guide tracks or integral internal vertically-oriented trussing. The metal strips or trussing have interlocking tooth profiles which project beyond the plastic panel shell. When the panels are used as wall panels, the panels are preferably disposed so that the frame members are vertical. Panels may be interlocked, one vertically above the other, to form multiple stories, with the frame members of all stacked wall panels being in horizontal alignment to form generally continuous vertical strength members.

Abstract: The wall panel system of the present invention includes an attachment member that is received in a groove in a panel to align and hold the panel in place on a perimeter framing member.

Abstract: A glass pane connector comprises a pane holding assembly, a positioning assembly, a supporting assembly connecting the pane holding assembly and the positioning assembly, and at least one pivot assembly serving to changing an angle where the supporting assembly connects the pane holding assembly and the positioning assembly. The glass pane connector serves to position a glass pane at a predetermined installation site or to connect glass panes into a glass curtain wall.

Abstract: A translucent wall panel (1) comprises a single body of translucent polycarbonate material comprising skin wall means and a multiwall support (4) extending between the skin wall means. The skin wall means comprises an outer weather wall (2), an inner liner wall (3), a longitudinally extending first side (5) and a longitudinally extending second side (6) opposite to the first side. The first side (5) has outer projecting and recess parts and the second side (6) has outer projecting and recess parts. The projecting and recess parts of the first side (5) are of mating form with corresponding recess and projecting parts respectively of the second side 6 for engagement between the first side (5) of one panel A and the second side of another like panel B. The sides (5, 6) have additional spacer recesses (51, 52) which are aligned so that when two similar panels (50) are aligned adjacent to one another as illustrated in FIG.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a mounting bracket with a longitudinally extending first channel and a longitudinally extending second channel, and a wall panel with a perpendicular flange around its periphery. The wall panel is attached to the mounting bracket by a clip attached to the wall panel adjacent the flange, the clip having an engaging element with a first portion and a second portion. The clip is secured to the mounting bracket by either the first portion of the engaging element mating with the second channel, or the second portion mating with the first channel. The first portion of the engaging element and the second channel each include a protrusion, the interaction of the protrusions causing the first portion to snap into the second channel.

Abstract: A device for fastening facade plates, includes a threaded bar which extends from a holding element. The holding element is provided with an annular space at the first end thereof, which is located near the threaded bar. The annular space encompasses a wall that is made of an elastic material. A channel extends from the annular space to a second end which is located at a distance from the threaded bar while a valve, by means of which the channel can be sealed, is provided at the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a facade glazing element having a stepped glazing with a first and a second windowpane (13, 15), wherein the dimensions of the first windowpane (13) exceed those of the second windowpane (15) by a specified amount. The first and second windowpanes (13, 15) are each firmly bonded at their edge to a mounting frame (35) made of wood or wood-based material by means of a first and a second adhesive layer (37, 39). On the mounting frame (35) is provided a room-side fastening possibility or fastening means for fastening the facade glazing to a facade. By virtue of the room-side fastening possibility for the facade glazing element, disassembly is possible without damaging the surrounding components or connections to the building, thereby making repair glazing, for example, easily possible.

Abstract: Profile rail for a facade system for the facing of a building, which can be secured in place on a substructure of the building for the fastening of filler elements, wherein the cross sectional profile of the profile rail formed of steel comprises a bolt groove section, cooperating directly with securement bolts, as well as at least one further holding section disposed next to the bolt groove section for sealing means, wherein in the region between the bolt groove section and the holding section adjoining hereon, window-like through-holes are provided, through which the underside of the bolt groove section is accessible for applying a welding seam between profile rail and substructure.

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: 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 system for assembly between a sheet of glass including a countersunk hole on each of its sides and another sheet of glass also including a countersunk hole on each of its sides, each countersunk hole being designed respectively to take first and second connecting pieces, each of the first and second connecting pieces being provided with a bore. The system also includes a connecting core connecting with the first and second connecting pieces. The core includes first and second parts. The first part of the core mates with the surface of the bore of the first connecting piece on which it exerts a force roughly parallel to the axis of the hole and the second part of the core fits into the bore made in the second connecting piece therein to react to the force.

Abstract: An fabrication system used for mounting a structural member to a surface including an anchor attached to the surface. The anchor has a pair of sidewalls extending substantially perpendicular therefrom and forming an anchor channel with one or more first flanges formed on at least one of the sidewalls facing the anchor channel. The fabrication system also includes a panel frame having a body for insertion into the anchor channel. The body has at least one lateral surface extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. First and second sidewalls extend from the body to define a frame channel for receiving an edge portion of the structural member. At least one of the first and second sidewalls has a serrated inner face facing the frame channel.