Abstract: An impact absorption structure (1) is provided. The impact absorption structure (1) comprises an impact receiving component (3), capable of, after receiving an initial impact shockwave, separating that shockwave into at least a first shockwave (S11) and a second shockwave (S122), time-spaced from the first shockwave (S11). The impact absorption structure (1) also comprises an energy dissipation component (5) adjacent to the impact receiving component (3), such that the time-spaced shockwaves (S11, S122) can be passed across an interface from the impact receiving component (3) to the energy dissipation component (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door frame, particularly a door frame for a pre-hung door assembly, which is foldable to minimize storage space and to allow for enhanced logistic efficiencies. The door frame contains parallel, spaced apart, vertical jambs and a horizontal header connecting the top ends of the jambs. Each of the jambs and the horizontal header contains a front section and back section that are hingedly joined so that then can be folded on to each other. The hingedly joined front and back sections allow the door fame to be foldable to minimize space occupied during storage.

Abstract: A tension controlling apparatus for catenary structure equipment, which adjusts tension of a horizontal wire horizontally arranged between two main pole units installed leaving a certain distance includes a starter unit which is connected to a first main pole unit of the two main pole units, and connects with a first end of the horizontal wire; and a turnbuckle unit which is connected to a second main pole unit of the two main pole units, connects with a second end of the horizontal wire, and adjusts the tension of the horizontal wire.

Abstract: A one-piece structural fuse assembly is disclosed that is formed from a single piece of structural steel such as a beam. In embodiments, a first flange of the beam may form the fuse base, and a portion of the web of the beam may form the fuse plate. Additionally, a buckling restraint plate of the structural fuse assembly may be formed from a second flange of the beam, and the spacers of the structural fuse assembly may be formed from a portion of the web unused by the fuse plate. In examples, all of the components cut from the single piece of the beam are used in a single structural fuse assembly.

Abstract: A steel cap 7 for structurally connecting together a new foundation and an existing tower is disclosed. The new foundation includes at least one foundation element 9 positioned in the ground. The existing tower includes an existing foundation 5 and a tower structure 3 extending from and supported by the existing foundation. The steel cap comprises (a) a first element 11 for connecting the cap to the new foundation element or foundation elements and (b) a second element 13 for connecting the cap to the existing tower and thereby, in use, connecting together the new foundation and the existing tower.

Abstract: A truss assembly (12) has a plurality of structural members joined by a truss joint. The truss joint includes first (16) and second (18) structural members and a pair of shear plates (22). Each shear plate (22) includes at least one shear tab (24) having a curved alignment guide (40) formed by an elongated slot with an open end. An end of the second structural member (18) has a locating hole (42) proximate its mounting bolt hole. The truss assembly further includes an alignment/drift pin (44) used to position the second structural member (18) with respect to the shear plates (22). The alignment/drift pin (44) is configured to be inserted into the locating hole (42) and then maneuverable into the alignment guide (40) to position the second structural member (18) so that mounting bolt holes in the shear plates (22) and a mounting bolt hole in the second structural member (18) align allowing insertion of a through bolt (30).

Abstract: Indicator device (90), for indicating proper alignment of bolt-and-nut holes of two abutting flanges (72,72?) of two tower sections (2,5) of a wind turbine tower structure (1), the indicator device (90) comprising a connector (122) for connecting the indicator device (90) to an inner face (71) of one of the flanges, and a body (100) having a first body end (101) and an opposite second body end (112) closer to the connector (122), the indicator device (90) including a resiliently deformable part (150), a pneumatic system or a hydraulic system allowing for the indicator device (90) to assume a normal configuration wherein the first body end (101) is distant from the connector (122), and a second configuration wherein the first body end (101) is located closer to the connector (122), the resiliently deformable part or pneumatic system or hydraulic system urging the first body end (101) from the second configuration towards the first configuration.

Abstract: A vibration damper device includes a pair of viscoelastic dampers, lower braces which support the viscoelastic dampers from below, upper braces which support the viscoelastic dampers from above, lower connection members which connect the viscoelastic dampers to the lower braces, upper connection members which connect the viscoelastic dampers to the upper braces, and first joining members and second joining members which join the pair of viscoelastic dampers. Each lower brace includes a lower recess which avoids interference with the central vertical frame, and a lower slit into which the lower connection member is inserted. Each upper brace includes an upper recess which avoids interference with the central vertical frame, and an upper slit into which the upper connection member is inserted.

Abstract: A plated tubular lattice structure is described. The plated tubular lattice structure may comprise a backbone structure which may include a plurality of axial posts and a plurality of pyramidal structures extending laterally from the axial posts and connecting the axial posts at nodes. The plated tubular lattice structure may further comprise a metal plating layer plated on an outer surface of the backbone structure.

Abstract: An improved screed plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a curved leading edge and a trailing edge adapted for attaching to a screed of a paving machine is disclosed. The improved screed plate comprises a tapered groove extended from the curved leading edge towards the trailing edge along the top surface and terminated in a groove end. The tapered groove is arranged deepest at the curved leading edge and shallowest toward the trailing edge so as to provide flexibility to the screed plate while not reducing screed plate lifetime due to increased wear and tear. The increased screed plate flexibility facilitates crowning and other adjustments that require bending of the screed plate, and allow harder steels to be used than are used in conventional screed plates.

Abstract: A marking device for marking a truss element of a truss may include a print mechanism arranged to print selected truss information on lumber elements moving on a conveyance system passed the print mechanism, the selected truss information including one of an element identifying truss diagram, a truss plate location, and an intersecting member identifier, a position sensing device configured to sense the position of the lumber relative to the print mechanism, and a computing component, the computing component including a geometry extraction module for extracting the geometry of the element to be marked, an element marking generator for generating print instructions for the selected truss information, a position sensing module for interfacing with the position sensing device to ascertain the position of the lumber element, and a print control module for controlling the print mechanism to print the selected truss information.

Abstract: A structural engineered wood rim board for light frame construction having joinery slots in a flange, a portion of a light frame construction building constructed from structural engineered wood components including a structural engineered wood rim board for light frame construction having an exterior-facing cavity, a structural engineered wood rim board corner system for light frame construction, and a light framing building method using a structural engineered wood rim board are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of mounting elements in a wind turbine tower, whereby the elements are partly or completely attached to the wind turbine tower by means of magnetic attraction forces. Wind turbine suspension units may be attached to the wind turbine tower, preferably completely or partly to the inner wall by means of magnetic attraction forces, which present structure-weakening attachments to the tower or part of the tower.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for connecting a non-load bearing wall to a truss comprises a fastener with a sleeve retained on the fastener and axially displaceable along the fastener. The fastener has unthreaded shank portion and the sleeve is disposed about the unthreaded shank portion. The sleeve has a length less than the axial length of the unthreaded shank portion. The fastener assembly is employed to form a truss/non-load bearing wall connection system, wherein the non-load bearing wall is disposed below the truss and has a top plate with at least one bore. A fastener assembly is disposed in each bore and threaded into the truss so that a gap is formed between the truss and its top plate. Upon deflection of the truss, one or more fasteners vertically slide axially relative to its associated sleeve.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.

Abstract: A support member for supporting a reinforcement material in a composite structure comprises a base member and first and second vertical leg members on opposing sides of the base member. The first and second vertical leg members have a first height relative to the base member. The first and second vertical leg members each have an opening configured to receive at least one strand of the at least one layer of reinforcement material. Third and fourth vertical leg members are on opposing sides of the base member and have a second height relative to the base member different from the first height of the first and second vertical leg members. The third and fourth vertical leg members each have an opening configured to receive at least one strand of the at least one layer of reinforcement material.

Abstract: A support system for holding solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes a frame for supporting the mirrors. The system includes a rib attached to the frame. The system includes at least a first roller engaged with the rib along which the rib moves as the frame moves. A method for moving a frame supporting solar mirrors of a solar trough system includes the steps of moving the frame on a roller guided by a rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a first position. There is the step of moving the frame on the roller guided by the rib engaged with the roller and attached to the frame bottom to a second position. A roller for engaging with a rib attached to a frame that holds mirrors of a solar trough system. A rib for a frame that holds solar mirrors of a solar trough system which engages with a roller. A support system for mirrors of a solar trough system.

Abstract: Supports having multiples apertures to receive, support, holding and secure re-bars or reinforcements useful in the construction of concrete or cement structures. A first embodiment includes two double rebar supporting sections at each end of a main elongated body having a central hole, thus it may support from two to four re-bars that may be have the same or different dimensions at its intercepting points. A second embodiment includes two double supporting re-bars supporting sections at each end of a main body. A third embodiment that includes a double supporting re-bars section in one end of a main body. The disclosed embodiments also have apertures and openings that allow the entrance of liquid cement or concrete mixture to the interior of their hollow main body and may support re-bars of different dimensions.

Abstract: This invention creates a superior straw bale wall by the assimilation of light gauge metal framing onto the exterior surface of typical straw bale walls. Production efficiency is increased by using standard straw bale walls constructed in an acceptable manner for that industry, in conjunction with light gauge metal framing material which is a familiar product to construction tradesmen, structural engineers, and building code officials. The increase in efficiency begins with the approval of building permits, to the assembly rates during construction, and on through the processes of plastering, installing drywall, and even to hanging kitchen cabinets long after the walls have been finished and painted.

Abstract: A metal track used in a stud wall includes a first panel with a ninety degree bend forming a flange thereon, and a second panel with a ninety degree bend forming a flange thereon. The flanges of the first panel and the second panel are positioned on a common plane. An elongated coupling element couples the first panel to the second panel in a parallel spaced apart relationship. The elongated coupling element of the metal track is bent periodically at an angle, so as to alternately contact the first panel and the second panel at regular intervals. An attachment element is provided for attaching the metal track to a surface.

Abstract: A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention.

Abstract: Structural assemblies for constructing bridges and other structures. A structural assembly may comprise an elongated member defining an internal space. The structural assembly may also comprise a plurality of framing members connected to the elongated member at a plurality of pin connection nodes, each pin connection node comprising a pin interconnecting the elongated member, a first one of the framing members, and a second one of the framing members, the pin having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the pin being located in the internal space of the elongated member.

Abstract: A composite tie rod comprises an open lattice body formed of interlaced filaments held in a solid matrix. A pair of fittings rigidly connect rod ends with the ends of the body. The rod ends form attachment points on the tie rod.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture bonded corrugation truss-based structures. This allows the ability to change the dimensions of the individual structural features of the corrugations, i.e. thickness of the core, face sheet thickness, relative density of the core, and the alloys. The nodal design which provides ideal stress/strain distribution for in-plane and out-off plane loading. The node has a curved/smooth triple point intersection which in turn can provide best load transfer interface with high integrity/toughness. The bonded corrugation truss based structure can be continuous to any length only limited by the volume of the extrusion billet and the press capacity. An aspect of the bonded corrugation structures may include friction stir welding of the face sheets or any fusion welding of panels with edge members for strengthening allows fabrication of panels of any width and length. Bonding panels enables the fabrication of structures of any width.

Abstract: A node for a solar frame including an elongate portion having a channel extending through it in which a structural element is disposed or a solid elongate portion on to which a structural element is disposed. The node comprises a fin extending radially outward from the elongate portion where at least 5% of the volume of the fin is replaced by at least a single void extending essentially in parallel with the channel or the extrusion direction of the solid elongate portion. An apparatus for transmitting torque in a solar frame having structural elements and a support. A system for solar mirrors. A node for a solar frame. A method for connecting a structural element with a strut having a strut end piece of a solar mirror support frame. A method for producing a node for solar mirror frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel structure, in which structure at least two layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45) are fixed to each other with at least one connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) and the connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) is generated from one of the at least two layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45). At least part of the connection member (2,11,21,33,42,43,46) is diverged from the layer sheets (1,6;12,13;22,23; 31,32;41,44,45) forming at least one opening (8,17,27,35) through the layer sheet (1,6;12,13;22,23;31,32;41,44,45) wherefrom the connection (2,11,21,33, 42,43,46) is generated.

Abstract: A mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly, in one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a hacker having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component.

Abstract: A rebar structure includes a plurality of column longitudinal bars to be connected to a beam. The yield point or the 0.2% proof stress of at least a portion the column longitudinal bars is larger than the yield point or the 0.2% proof stress of a normal reinforcing bar defined by JIS G 3112.

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

Abstract: A reinforcing assembly includes multiple spaced-apart, longitudinally-extending support bars. The reinforcing assembly also includes multiple working members each independently connected to the support bars. The working members are oriented diagonally with respect to a longitudinal axis extending along the reinforcing assembly.

Abstract: A truss assembly station may include a truss assembler. The truss assembler may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members by providing an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

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

Abstract: A method for constructing a truss includes selecting three or more chord elements (two or more upper chord elements and one or more lower chord elements) and one or more web elements. The selecting of the components includes estimating a first change in length for each of the two or more upper chord elements and estimating a second change in length of each of the one or more lower chord elements, the first change in length and the second change in length in response to changes in conditions to which the truss is exposed. The one or more web elements are selected from the plurality of wood members to compensate for the deformation caused by the first change in length and the second change in length.

Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.

Abstract: A mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) composite structure and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the 3D composite structure includes a 3D ordered microstructure and a second continuous material. The 3D ordered microstructure includes first truss elements defined by first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction, second truss elements defined by second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction, and third truss elements defined by third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third truss elements interpenetrate each other at nodes to form a first continuous material with the three-dimensional ordered microstructure. In addition, the second continuous material has different physical properties than the first continuous material and shares an interface with the three-dimensional ordered microstructure, and wherein the interface is everywhere continuous.

Abstract: A truss assembly system may include a truss assembly station. The truss assembly station may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members via an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

Abstract: A strut runner includes a member extending lengthwise in a first direction, where the member includes an underlying panel and one or more walls that extend from the panel. The member may be configured to at least partially support the panel array while being integrated or directly connected to the underlying structure. Additionally, the strut runner may include one or more peripheral extensions that extend a distance outward from the body.

Abstract: A reinforcing assembly to address this problem comprises a plurality of diagonal working members (preferably formed of #3 rebar) each of which is “ribbed” to provide increased surface area for bonding to the concrete, and each of which is attached to a horizontal runner independently such that the diagonal working members are variably spaced along the assembly. Relative to the horizontal runner, each diagonal member is “bent” at a given angle, preferably in the range of 45° plus or minus 25°. The reinforcing assembly is designed for use to provide punching shear reinforcement in a reinforced concrete structure such as, without limitation, a slab (in which the assembly is supported) located adjacent a structural column. The top of each diagonal member in the reinforcing assembly preferably comprises a double hook that is configured to fit within reinforcing bars that run along the top of the slab.

Abstract: Disclosed are three-dimensional porous light-weight structures composed of helical wires and the manufacturing method of the same. Continuous helical wire groups in three or six directions having a designated angle (for example, 60 degrees or 90 degrees) with respect to one another in a space cross and are then assembled, and thus new truss-shaped three-dimensional lattice truss structures having high strength and stiffness to weight ratio and a large surface area and method of mass-producing the structures at low costs are provided. The three-dimensional porous light-weight structures are manufactured by a method in which helical wires are three-dimensionally assembled through a continuous process rather than a method in which net-shaped wires are simply woven and stacked, and thus have a configuration similar to the ideal hexahedron truss, Octet truss, or truss in which regular octahedrons and cuboctahedrons are combined, thereby having excellent mechanical properties or thermal or aerodynamic properties.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material. Such methods and systems eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. This bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the face sheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). An aspect comprises a core and related structures that provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. An aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to support structures including truss assemblies and purlins, the truss assemblies including struts, wherein utilities such as pipes and cables can be contained within the purlins, and can pass through openings in the struts, to thereby be retained by the support structures so as to be hidden from view.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved lattice structures that can be used in, for example, blast resistant armor appliqués. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods for designing improved lattice structures where the lattice structures are bistable bond lattice structures. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to lattice structures that employ asymmetric waiting links and unequal lengths of main links.

Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.

Abstract: Patio enclosures and methods for assembling patio enclosures are disclosed. The patio enclosures include supports structures having uprights and cross members and screen panels removably mounted to the support structure by hook-and-loop fasteners, for example, strips of Velcro brand hook-and-loop fasteners. Aspects of the invention allow for the removal and/or storage of the perforated screen panels when the enclosure is subjected to inclement weather, for example, to potential snow fall or wind loads. The present invention allows for the use and enjoyment of patio enclosure in climates prone to inclement weather, for example, the northern United States, among other regions, that otherwise would be impractical for such structures. Outdoor enclosures having removable screen panels are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: Structures built from square metal tubing and methods for their construction, wherein curved sections of square tubing are welded to substantially straight sections of metal tubing according to the design requirements of the structures. The curved components are stronger and lighter than equivalent components made by bending. In addition, the curved components can be manufactured in a much wider range of configurations, sizes and dimensions than equivalent components made by bending.

Abstract: An exhibit or display for tradeshows or the like having a plurality of support members and an axial connection assembly. The support members include opposing ends and a body portion, and further include an exterior channel and a central bore, the channel defining a flange portion and the bore being in communication with a retention feature. The axial connection assembly is configured to releasably couple an end of a first support member to an end of a second support member such that the two support members are axially aligned. The axial connection assembly includes a collar releasably coupled in the bore of each member, with each collar including at least one locator portion to interact with the retention feature, and a pin having a mid portion and two ends, the mid portion configured to be rotatably selectively restrained within the collar.

Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.