Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective insulation material product including a metallized polymeric film laminated to an insulation material with the metallized polymeric film having its exposed metallic surface facing away from the insulation material. The product can meet Class A standard thermal insulation material standards characterized by a flame speed rating of from 0 to 25 and a smoke developed rating value of 0 to 450.

Abstract: A construction assembly for installation within new or existing residential or commercial building structures which increases the thermal efficiency of concrete construction panels while avoiding dangerous insulation materials and potential fire hazards. The construction assembly includes a first layer of concrete and a phase change material layer that efficiently retains heat when the phase change material melts and discharges heat as the phase change material crystallizes. Alternatively a support layer, a second phase change material layer and a second concrete layer can be included in a variety of combinations for increased efficiency. A method is disclosed for creating the construction assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an insulation and ventilation system for a building envelope (e.g. a building wall and/or a building roof). The system includes: one or more interior building envelope layers; an insulation panel having an interior side abutting against at least one of the one or more interior building envelope layers and an exterior side having a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending grooves interspaced between a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending protrusions; and one or more exterior building envelope layers located exterior to the insulation panel to provide a plurality of transversely localized venting channels defined at least in part by an interior surface of the one or more exterior building envelope layers and the grooves of the exterior side of the insulation panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for securing safing insulation in the gap formed between a spandrel and a slab. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for stiffening tees and/or stiffening brackets. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention utilizes a first portion of safing secured to spandrel insulation positioned in an exterior wall structure and a second portion of safing insulation positioned adjacent to the first portion of safing insulation and between the spandrel insulation and the slab. By fixedly securing the first portion of safing insulation to the spandrel insulation, any deformation of the spandrel insulation caused by the forces exerted by the compressed second portion of safing insulation on spandrel insulation results in the first portion of safing insulation moving with the spandrel insulation.

Abstract: A thermally insulated building brick (1) and a method for production thereof, wherein the brick comprises a structural body (2) with at least one cavity (8) and an insulating filling (3) arranged in the cavity. To provide a brick with high insulation value suited for mass production, the insulating filling comprises an insulating material arranged in a leading-in sheath.

Abstract: A method of making thermal insulation includes, forming a thermal insulation product precursor having randomly distributed inorganic fibers and about 5-500 wt. % heat-expandable hollow microspheres in dry or slurry form and having a polymeric shell and having disposed therein a blowing agent or gas, and calcium acetate or cupric carbonate, or a combination of calcium acetate and cupric carbonate, and heating the precursor to expand the microspheres.

Abstract: A spacer profile for a spacer frame of an insulating pane unit includes a hollow profile body made of plastic with a chamber defined therein. The hollow profile body extends in a longitudinal direction and includes an inner wall, an outer wall, a first side wall and a second side wall, which are connected to the inner and outer walls to form the chamber. First and second reinforcing layers made of a metallic material respectively extend on the first and second side walls and partially on the outer wall so as to be spaced apart by a first distance. A diffusion barrier layer is formed directly on the outer wall between the first and second reinforcing layers and is connected thereto in a diffusion-proof manner in order to form a heat-insulating diffusion barrier. An insulating pane unit includes at least two panes with such a spacer frame disposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall passage opening for passing a conduit through a through-penetration defining at least one reveal, of a building with a substantially vertical or horizontal orientation, wherein the conduit is covered with an insulation material (10) comprising an insulation shell (16), at least in the region of the passage opening, the diameter of the insulation element substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the passage opening, wherein the insulation shell (16) includes a cavity for accommodating a conduit section (22) having an enlarged outer diameter and wherein the insulation shell (16) is made of mineral fibers, to accommodate the conduit section (22) having the enlarged outer diameter in a quick and easy manner.

Abstract: A radiant barrier rafter vent defining an elongate radiant heat reflective panel formed from a sheet of aluminum or other heat reflective material having longitudinal creases that permit compressing the panel a selected amount in a direction transverse to its length and panel strengthening spaced apart formations on the remainder of the panel. The panel have a high reflectivity and are installable in various buildings between the rafters or roof supports spaced apart from the roof and optionally coated with a sound absorbing material or include small perforations therein.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which meets commercial reflectance criteria.

Abstract: A method of thermally insulating an object that requires a Class A standard insulation material, said method comprising suitably locating a metallized polymeric reflective insulation material adjacent said object, wherein said polymeric material is selected from a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, expanded polystyrene foam, multi-film layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly. The object is preferably packaging, a vehicle or a residential, commercial or industrial building or establishment. The polymeric material may contain a fire-retardant and the bright surface of the metallized layer has a clear lacquer coating to provide anti-corrosion properties, and which maintains satisfactory reflectance commercial criteria.

Abstract: A previously formed unitary building exterior envelope product is provided, comprising: a mineral fiber insulation board including a binder having a hydrophobic agent and is resistant to liquid water-penetration and has first and second major surfaces, an exterior facing material, which resists air infiltration and liquid water penetration, laminated to the first major surface, the exterior facing material being permeable to water vapor, and a continuous interior facing laminated to the second major surface, so that the second major surface is resistant to liquid water-penetration and is permeable to water vapor. The section of product is mounted to an exterior side of a plurality of framing members of an exterior wall of a building, so that the interior facing faces the framing members. An exterior layer is mounted to the framing members using a connection device that passes through the section of product, with the facing material facing the exterior layer.

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

Abstract: Thermal insulation is provided which includes randomly distributed inorganic fibers and about 5-500 wt. % unexpanded hollow microspheres comprising a polymeric shell having disposed therein a blowing agent or gas, said unexpanded hollow microspheres increasing in size when heated. Also provided is an insulated attic, including a plurality of rafters, an attic floor and a thermal insulation comprising randomly distributed glass fibers in at least about 5 wt. % hollow expanded microspheres having a diameter of 20-140 microns, which have been expanded from about 6-40 microns. The hollow expanded microspheres reduce the thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation by at least about 5%, and have shown improvement up to 19.4% decreased thermal conductivity during tests at loadings from 30% to 257%. Additionally, calcium acetate and cupric carbonate additions to glass fiber insulation products showed improvement by at least about a 1% decrease in thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal insulation products such as loose fill, bats and boards, such as duct boards and duct liner. The insulation products include randomly distributed inorganic fibers which are supplemented with at least about five weight percent microspheres, macrospheres, or both, preferably include hollow microspheres, which boost the insulation value of the fiberglass thermal insulation by at least about 0.5 R.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal insulation products such as loose fill, batts and boards, such as duct boards and duct liner. The insulation products include randomly distributed inorganic fibers, which are supplemented with at least about five weight percent microspheres, macrospheres, or both, and preferably include hollow microspheres, which boost the insulation value of the fiberglass thermal insulation by at least about 0.5R.

Abstract: The present disclosure utilizes the phase change properties of various phase change materials, specifically of 1-decanol and 1-dodecanol. Blood platelets and biological tissues that are chemically unstable at high temperatures can be maintained between 20° C. and 24° C. using 1-Dodecanol in a disclosed container. Temperature sensitive pharmaceutical products may be maintained between 2° C. to 8° C. using 1-Decanol in a disclosed container. The present disclosure may be used to control the temperature of such products during transport by confining the temperature of the product within a predetermined range. This permits light weight packaging with the maintenance of temperatures in narrow, pre-selected ranges over extended periods of time. A nylon and low density polyethylene thermal blanket comprising cells substantially filled with phase change material, which is advantageously puncture proof, durable, and capable of surrounding any payload, is disclosed.

Abstract: A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiant heat barrier may be installed under a wide variety of roofs between the roof supports. In one configuration, the radiant heat barrier is provided in the form of a plurality of boards that are each erectable into a barrier tray having at least one high-reflectivity, low-emissivity surface. The surface reflects a large percentage of the radiation energy back in the direction from where the radiation originated. Each board includes features that allow the board to be formed into different-sized trays. In one configuration, the trays may be configured to fit between the rafters of typical residential construction. The trays include tabs that allow the tray to be mounted to the supports.

Abstract: Fire-barriers systems, including pre-assembled intersection and straight-line fire-barriers having either male-coupling ends, female-coupling ends or both types provide for the elimination of on-site cutting and construction for easy, rapid, and safe one-step, drop-in installation and coupling. Both the intersection and straight-line fire-barriers are constructed as single-piece continuous units for use in intersection spaces formed by intersection of expansion-joint-spaces and in straight-line architectural expansion-joint-spaces to prevent migration of gases, flame, and smoke throughout a building. Indirect attachment of the layers to each other and to their solid support brackets provides for no continuous opening throughout the barriers preventing passage of smoke, fire, and gases therethrough. Each style barrier is provided with an optional one-step, one-person, drop-in, reusable, width adjustable installation tool.

Abstract: A stackable insulated unit for wall construction for forming a self-supporting wall structure consists of two side wooden planks spaced apart and secured to one another with an intermediate insulating layer bonded thereto, and a plurality of stud longitudinal sections transversely extending through the insulating layer and being secured thereby. The insulating layer ensures structural integrity of the stackable unit. The stud sections are preferably spaced from at least one of the side planks. The invention also includes the method of fabrication of stackable unit.

Abstract: A vacuum insulator includes first lateral beams, first longitudinal beams, second lateral beams and second longitudinal beams. The first longitudinal beams are arranged in parallel to one another at a predetermined interval. Each of the first lateral beams has a sectional area alternatively changed to be wide and narrow by the period that is ½ of the interval. The first longitudinal beams are intersected with the first lateral beams at a predetermined angle, and are arranged in parallel to one another at a predetermined interval. Each of the first longitudinal beams has a sectional area alternatively changed to be wide and narrow by the period that is ½ of the interval. Portions with the wide sectional area of each of the first longitudinal beams are attached on portions with the wide sectional area of each of the first lateral beam.

Abstract: An insulation system of a building having a plurality of spaced-apart support members has an insulator with a plurality of ribs are formed thereon. A concave portion of each rib receives one of the support members. A panel covers, and is secured to the support members. An exterior covering element is secured to an exterior side of the panel. A radiant heat barrier is bonded between the insulator and the panel. The insulator defines air ventilation channels between the foam insulator and the panel for venting air from building. An insulator assembly for a building has a sheet of foam insulation with a plurality of channels intermittently formed in the sheet of insulation. Each channel has a concave side and a convex side. The concave side is adapted to receive a support member of the building. A radiant heat barrier is bonded to a surface of the foam insulation.

Abstract: A photovoltaic membrane system is provided for use on a building and, optionally, incorporated into the building envelope. One or more photovoltaic cells are provided at an upper layer of the system. A thermal barrier is disposed between the one or more photovoltaic cells and the building, isolating the two from one another. The thermal barrier may be provided as a series of wedges that are shaped and oriented to optimize electrical performance of the photovoltaic cells. An air channel assembly may be provided to ventilate heated air from beneath the one or more photovoltaic modules away from the system and the building. The system may be integrally associated with the building or removably coupled therewith. Components may be provided for assembly during installation or preassembled modules may be provided for installation.

Abstract: A structural panel for a building structure includes first and second stud members each including a neck. Openings and venturi bridges are formed in the neck. At least one flange is attached to the neck. A foam panel extends between the studs. The openings in the neck limit the heat transferred from the stud to the edge of the foam panel. The venturi bridges in the neck also limit the transfer of heat from the neck to the edge of the foam panel.

Abstract: A fully insulated timber frame building panel system incorporating wall, ceiling and floor panels of varying dimensions which are made up of vertical timbers 20 and horizontal timbers 34 & 36 sheathed both sides 21 & 22 to create a cavity which is filled with expanding polyurethane insulation 27. Breather membrane 24 is then attached to the external face of the panel and heat reflecting membrane 25 to the internal face. Battens 23 & 38 are applied to the internal face of the panel, which is then sheathed in gypsum based boards 32 to form an air gap 29. Extruded polyurethane insulation 26 is fixed to the panel through the breather membrane 24. External cladding 31 is always fixed to the timber frame to create a cavity 30. This external cladding can be of a variety of materials.

Abstract: A self supporting panel system used to fabricate ceilings, floors, walls, or roofs. The panel system is assembled from a plurality of panels, each having a core that is sandwiched between opposing plate members. In a preferred embodiment, the core of each panel includes a unifying material to enhance the load bearing capacity of the panel.

Abstract: Heat insulation tiles (20) are supported in a grid (14) of support bars (15 and 16) of a ceiling assembly (10) with the ceiling tiles being in the form of insulation boxes (21) that form a dead air spaces (24) therein. Reflective material (22) is applied to at least one of the interior surfaces of the box that faces the dead air space (24) and a layer of phase change material (40) is applied to the insulation boxes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum insulation panel (1) having a core (5) having insulating hollow spaces and cover layers (11) closing off the core (5) from the environment, the hollow spaces of the core (5) being formed by two chambers (3) sealed off from each other in a gas-tight fashion, extending together with the walls (4) or intermediate walls thereof from one cover layer (11) to the other cover layer (11) and being formed from the walls (4) or intermediate walls and the cover layers (11).

Abstract: A method of producing a substantially parallelepiped vacuum panel which has, in an outwardly gas-tight manner in a sleeve or envelope, a filling made of granular or powdered degassed support elements, preferably silica particles, the interior of the sleeve being evacuated and the support elements being moved closely together and being enclosed by the sleeve, the sleeve comprising an encapsulation by injection-molding or overmolding of a plastic material. For forming two sides of the sleeve remote from one another, metal plates are provided, between which the support elements are arranged. The peripheral rims of the metal plates are positively and non-positively embedded by the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Additionally, a permeation barrier layer may be provided on at least the encapsulation by injection-molding and/or overmolding. Moreover, getter materials may be provided between the support elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wall passage opening for passing a conduit through a through-penetration defining at least one reveal, of a building with a substantially vertical or horizontal orientation, wherein the conduit is covered with an insulation material (10) comprising an insulation shell (16), at least in the region of the passage opening, the diameter of the insulation element substantially corresponding to the inner diameter of the passage opening, wherein the insulation shell (16) includes a cavity for accommodating a conduit section (22) having an enlarged outer diameter and wherein the insulation shell (16) is made of mineral fibers, to accommodate the conduit section (22) having the enlarged outer diameter in a quick and easy manner.

Abstract: An energy-attenuation structure comprising a core layer of cellular material. Substantially most of the cells of the cellular material are open cells, with those cells disposed in the central portion of the core layer being more open than are those cells disposed in outer portions of the core layer. The openness of the cells generally decreases from the interior of the core layer in a direction toward the outer portions. At least some of the cells of the core layer are filled with a liquid.

Abstract: An insulator comprises at least three sections hingedly connected to one another, including a center section and a pair of outer sections. The sections are shaped so that if the outer sections are folded in a first direction relative to the center section, the insulator can be used with a first tube of a first diameter, and if the outer sections are folded in a second direction relative to the center section the insulator can be used on second tube of a different diameter from the first diameter.

Abstract: In a vacuum-insulated glass building component comprising first and second glass panes which are supported with respect to each other by spacers and are closed along their edges by a vacuum-tight edge connection so as to enclose between them a thin evacuated intermediate space, the edge connection is formed by first and second metal foil strips which are connected to the edge areas of the first and, respectively, second glass panes in a vacuum tight manner and the areas of the first and second metal foil strips projecting beyond the edges of the respective glass panes are welded together to join the glass panes.

Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: The invention is intended to reduce heat accumulation in the heat insulator provided around the periphery of the living room of a house structure, thereby achieving simplification of a construction work, energy-saving, and rationalization in maintaining the living environment, and by covering the external face of the heat insulators (2) disposed around the periphery of partition sheet members surrounding the living room, such as the roof, ceiling, wall, and so forth, with the heat shielding members (1) provided with the heat reflection foil, so that radiant heat which will otherwise heat up the heat insulators (2) can be blocked, and heat accumulation in the heat insulators (2) can be reduced.

Abstract: An insulating unit for an electrical box for insulating an electrical box. The insulating unit for an electrical box includes a rear portion, a lower portion extending from the rear portion, an upper portion extending from the rear portion opposite of the lower portion, and a side portion extending from the rear portion defining a rectangular cavity for receiving the electrical box within. A cutout may be made within the upper portion, side portion or lower portion for receiving a wire. Sealants are preferably utilized for sealing and securing to a wall stud. The rear portion, lower portion, upper portion and side portion are preferably comprised of an insulating material.

Abstract: A heat insulating wall, and a method of manufacturing the same. A laminated body includes a first panel, a first plate-shaped insulating member made of plastic foam and having a predetermined thickness, a vacuum insulation member mounted on the insulating member, a second plate-shaped insulating member made of plastic foam, and a second panel. The area between the first and second panels surrounded by the first plate-shaped insulating member, the vacuum insulation member, and the second plate-shaped insulating member is filled with expanded plastic foam. The thickness of the first and second plate-shaped insulating members is set to a predetermined thickness S.

Abstract: The heat insulator includes a lower sheet (14) that is larger is both length and width than the upper sheet (12) so that the heat insulator can span over objects such as purlins, rafters and obstructions in a roof structure while maintaining the air gap (20) between the sheets. The air gap protects the reflectivity of the inner surfaces of the sheets, thereby preserving the ability of the sheets to reflect radiant heat. The larger, lower sheet can be formed in a single catenaries from edge to edge of the sheet, or in a multiple array of catenaries to form parallel, tubular air gaps (26), if desired. The heat insulator can be mounted to fibrous insulation (22) or to other more rigid structures, if desired, when placed in a roof structure.

Abstract: A structural system includes a plurality of structural elements. Each of the elements includes an interior layer, an exterior layer, and an insulating layer between the interior layer and the exterior layer. The structural elements are stacked adjacent to one another to form a wall. A respective cushion is placed between adjacent structural elements. The cushions create airspaces such that there is no direct surface contact between adjacent structural elements. The exterior layers of the structural elements can be fabricated from cast concrete material, and can be provided with simulative exterior surfaces, for example, with exterior surfaces simulating the appearance of structural logs.

Abstract: Building element having two parallel welded wire grid mats (1, 2), of straight web wires (7) which hold the wire grid mats at a predetermined distance apart and are joined at each end to the two wire grid mats. An insulating body (8) is arranged between the wire grid mats, through which the web wires pass. At least one of the wire grid mats is in the form of a grid reinforcement mat which possesses a minimum strength of the weld nodes which complies with the static requirements applicable to the building element, corresponding mechanical strength of the grid mat wires (3, 4) and also corresponding diameters and mutual spacings of the grid mat wires. The web wires are arranged in predetermined directions relative to the wire grid mats, and the insulating body is held at a predetermined distance from each of the wire grid mats.

Abstract: A heat block (28) is positioned between the upper lateral flange (24) of a purlin (14) and the roof panel (16) supported by the purlin. The heat block is in the shape of a barbell in that it includes opposed side portions (33 and 34) that are sized and shaped to extend laterally beyond the purlin (14) out into the hot zone adjacent the upper portion of the purlin and the roof panel (16). The heat block is of greater stiffness than the adjacent blanket insulation so that the heat block reliably occupies the space in the hot zone. Phase change material (64) can be incorporated in the opposed side portions (33 and 34) of the heat block.

Abstract: Roof insulation applicator (10) for applying blanket insulation or other sheet material to the roof of an industrial building includes a carriage (12) for mounting on adjacent purlins (14 and 15) of a partially completed roof. Support roller (40) is applied by the carriage to the upper surfaces of the purlins (14 and 15) and the carriage is tiltable about the support roller (40). The center of gravity of the carriage (12) is applied rearwardly of the support roller (40), between the support roller (40) and the rear of the carriage. Purlin engager (60) is mounted to the front of the carriage and engages under the upper laterally extending flange (22) of the purlin (14). The purlin engager at the front of the carriage limits the downward pivoting of the rear end of the carriage so that a lever arm effect is applied by the weight of the rear portion of the structure to the support roller (40).

Abstract: The heat insulator includes a lower sheet (14) that is larger is both length and width than the upper sheet (12) so that the heat insulator can span over objects such as purlins, rafters and obstructions in a roof structure while maintaining the air gap (20) between the sheets. The air gap protects the reflectivity of the inner surfaces of the sheets, thereby preserving the ability of the sheets to reflect radiant heat. The larger, lower sheet can be formed in a single catenaries from edge to edge of the sheet, or in a multiple array of catenaries to form parallel, tubular air gaps (26), if desired. The heat insulator can be mounted to fibrous insulation (22) or to other more rigid structures, if desired, when placed in a roof structure.

Abstract: Heat insulation blanket (10) includes a layer of inner cells (16) containing a phase change material, and opposed outer cells (18 and 19) containing dead air or other undisturbed gas. When placed in an attic or other insulated area, the phase change material changes phase when the outside atmospheric temperature passes the phase change temperature, resulting in a delay in the transfer of heat between the interior space and the atmosphere because of the heat required for or given up by the PCM during its change of phase. The outer plies of sheet material that form the superposed cells of the cell blanket are formed with a coating of heat reflective material that faces the interior of the cell blanket, whereby the reflective surfaces are protected against deterioration and retain their capacity to reflect radiant heat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to modular radiant heat panel system. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises multiple radiant heat transfer panels (16), each of the panels having a thermal mass (18) and a conduit channel (20); a fluid conduit (21), the conduit communicating with an apparatus (23) for heating fluid (22) in the conduit; the multiple panels positioned adjacent each other such that the conduit extends through a series of the conduit channels; the panels, conduit and apparatus so configured and arranged to permit heat transfer from the fluid to the thermal mass of the panel, whereby heat radiates from the panel. The present invention also discloses a radiant heat transfer panel for engagement with a fluid conduit comprising: a formed tray (24); the tray defining a thermal volume (17) and a conduit channel; the volume containing a thermal mass; and the channel, volume and thermal mass configured and arranged to permit heat transfer between the conduit and the thermal mass.

Abstract: A greenhouse includes a frame structure (1), an outer transparent covering layer (2), and a transparent inner layer (7). A transparent insulating sheet-like material is located between the inner and outer layers in close proximity to the inner layer (8). The insulating sheet-like material has a cellular structure (4, 5) with the axis of its cells generally oriented normal to the plane thereof material so as to transmit incident light therethrough. The insulation material helps to retain heat within the structure while avoiding detrimental effects, such as loss of light transmissivity. The creation of an air gap on one side between the transparent insulation and one of the glazings allows for control of moisture and snow buildup.

Abstract: Heat insulated wall structure includes interior blanket insulation positioned between adjacent ones of studs, interior of the exterior wall board. Reflective sheet material is placed adjacent the blanket insulation, and the interior wall board is applied over the reflective sheet material to the studs. Spacers are applied to the heat reflective sheet material so as to maintain the facing surfaces of the reflective sheet material and the next adjacent surface in spaced relationship, forming a dead air space therebetween. The dead air space adjacent the heat reflective sheet material maintains the high reflectivity properties of the reflective sheet material, giving the enhanced ability to reflect heat away from the interior of the wall structure.