Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a method of constructing an enclosure using an undercarriage support system comprises: providing the undercarriage support system for supporting the enclosure during one or more stages of construction, the undercarriage support system comprising a plurality of modular enclosure support components and a plurality of motive supports for facilitating movement of the undercarriage support system; interconnecting ends of the modular enclosure support components via respective inter-component end ports; assembling the interconnected modular enclosure support components such that the undercarriage support system exhibits a degree of structural rigidity sufficient to support an entire weight of the enclosure during one or more stages of construction; and executing one or more stages of enclosure construction while at least a portion of the enclosure is supported by the undercarriage support system and while the undercarriage support system and the enclosure supported thereon are moveable

Abstract: A container has a variable volume, wherein a basic container has a bottom panel and a roof panel. One or more hinged side panels are rotatable about a horizontal axis, and one or more expansion elements are telescopeable out of the basic container and have a bottom panel, a side open toward a front the basic container and a front panel opposite the open side. Each expansion element is open toward the top and, in a telescoped state, the roof panel is formed by a raised side panel of the basic container. One or more hoisting devices is associated with each expansion element and with which the expansion element is lowerable.

Abstract: A method of deploying a cooperating set of prefabricated structure comprises positioning a first prefabricated structure including a first shell and a first extension nested within the first shell, the first shell and first extension having corresponding frames that form channels communicating electrical wiring. The method further comprises positioning a second prefabricated structure including a second shell and a second extension nested within the second shell, the second shell and second extension having corresponding frames that form channels communicating electrical wiring. The electrical wiring of the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure connect so that the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure share a common electrical system.

Abstract: A method of deploying a prefabricated structure including a shell and an extension nested within the shell comprises positioning a container, the container supporting the prefabricated structure on a plurality of rollers connected with the prefabricated structure. The prefabricated structure is urged so that a first set of roller extends from the container. The first set of rollers is separated from columns of a frame of the shell and a first set of support posts is lowered from the columns. The support posts are anchored, and the steps are repeated until the prefabricated structure is separated from the container.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure having improved stability comprises a shell including a shell frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a ballast device including one or more ballast tanks provided in the floor support, and an extension deployable from the shell.

Abstract: A method of distributing a prefabricated structure comprises providing a prefabricated structure for use at a first site. The prefabricated structure includes a shell with a shell frame, a plurality of wall panels mated with the shell frame, and a plurality of floor panels mated with the shell frame. The prefabricated structure further includes an extension deployable from the shell. The extension includes an extension frame, a plurality of wall panels mated with the extension frame, and a plurality of floor panels mateable with the extension frame upon deployment. The method of distributing a prefabricated structure further comprises recovering the prefabricated structure from the site, refurbishing the prefabricated structure, and providing the prefabricated structure to a second site.

Abstract: A method of deploying a cooperating set of prefabricated structure comprises positioning a first prefabricated structure, which includes a first shell and a first extension nested within the first shell, the first shell and first extension have corresponding frames that form channels to communicate utilities. The first shell is supported and the first extension is deployed and supported. A first deck hingedly connected to the first shell is deployed and supported. A second prefabricated structure is positioned, which includes a second shell and a second extension nested within the second shell, the second shell and second extension have corresponding frames that form channels to communicate utilities. The second shell is supported and the second extension is deployed and supported. A second deck hingedly connected to the second shell is deployed and supported.

Abstract: A system of cooperating prefabricated structures arranged in a complementary layout comprises a set of prefabricated structures having substantially the same dimensions. The set of prefabricated structures each include a shell and an extension deployed out from a nested position within the shell. A first deck extends from a first shell. A second deck extends from a second deck, wherein the first prefabricated structure is arranged opposite the second prefabricated structure so that the first deck abuts the second deck. A third deck extends from a third shell, wherein the third prefabricated structure is arranged transverse to the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure so that the third deck abuts and extends along the width of the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure.

Abstract: A prefabricated storm shelters that can be easily repositioned and assembled while providing safe, secure shelter before, during and after a catastrophic event are described, as well as a method to mfr. them.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.

Abstract: A foldout porch structure, for mounting on a building, includes a base platform and a roof. The base platform, when mounted on the building, pivots near a bottom of a side of the building between a stowed position, along the side of the building, and an extended position, outward from the side of the building. The roof, when mounted on the building, pivots near a top of the side of the building between a stowed position, along the side of the building, and an extended position, outward from the side of the building.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building in a typically flood prone area employs a pre-cast concrete chain wall that can be set on an optional foundation or footing.

Abstract: A building system and method by means of at least two prefabricated structures comprising a first prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a second prefabricated structure containing at least two lateral walls, a front wall and a back wall; a first transportation axis in which said first prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said first prefabricated structure to a building site and said first transportation axis is parked in the construction site; a second transportation axis in which said second prefabricated structure is mounted, capable of towing said second prefabricated structure to said building site and said second transportation axis is parked in the construction site; at least one of said lateral, back or from wall of each one of said first and second prefabricated structure is dismounted, dismantled or rolled up; wherein said first and second prefabricated structures are joined in such a manner that said prefabricated structures are

Abstract: A building support system assembled on a ground interface such as, but not limited to, an in-situ poured continuous concrete grade beam, using a plurality of adjustable stanchions and pre-cast cementitious panels. The fabricated stanchions attach to the building perimeter structural element and to said ground interface. Pre-cast cementitious panels with shear capacity attach to the stanchions, enclose the crawl space, retain soil, provide weather protection and with all components acting together transfer gravity, wind, snow and seismic forces from said building to said ground interface. The system has provisions for crawl space ventilation.

Abstract: Systems and methods providing a modular building that is self-contained within a standard shipping container, wherein the pre-fabricated panel wall components are easily assembled to form a predetermined structure using a cam-based component connector.

Abstract: A precast concrete meter pit consisting of an elongated hollow pipe having a beveled support ledge at one end and notches at the opposite end is fabricated by utilizing a slip form packerhead apparatus in which the beveled support ledge is formed by a radially inwardly inclined trowel edge bearing against a pallet member which is caused to vibrate when concrete is injected into the slip form apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefabricated reinforced-concrete single-family dwelling and method for erecting said dwelling, the principal components of which, such as pillars (1), enclosing walls (4), slabs (7), roof (9), etc., are prefabricated at the workshop from reinforced concrete. Not only the slabs (7) but also the enclosing walls (4) carry precise installations integrated into their interior. The elements are positioned mechanically in accordance with the dwelling layout. Starting with the foundations, produced in situ, the tie beams and corresponding seatings for supporting the enclosure walls (4) are made, proceeding, in correlative order, to erection of the dwelling with interior and dividing enclosing walls (8), staircases (13), slabs (7) and exterior enclosing walls (4), finishing with the roof (9), in order subsequently to proceed to connecting the various installations between enclosing walls and false ceilings where they are incorporated.

Abstract: A method for attaching a surface mountable unit to a ground surface, said method comprising (i) fixing a foundation frame, an upper portion of which is attachable to said surface mountable unit to the ground surface, and (ii) attaching the surface mountable unit to the upper portion of the foundation frame. Systems comprising combinations of foundation frames and surface mountable units and elements for use therein are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integral, industrialized, modular dwelling system which is based on modular, multi-functional, three-dimensional modules that are made from reinforced concrete. The modules, roofing and components are produced in a semi-automated covered plant in which the modules are first cast and set and subsequently provided with integrated finishes, installations, accessories, partitions and details. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the modules, a retractable flexible mold for casting said modules and a method for the on-site building of dwellings using the inventive three-dimensional modules.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stick-building large buildings (e.g., single-family homes, townhouses, apartment complexes, commercial structures, multi-story buildings, buildings legally or physically too large or oddly shaped to be transported substantially intact via public roads, etc.) within a factory is presented. The factory can be constructed on or near the intended building destination(s). The factory can include a large enclosed structure that shelters the construction process, the raw materials and/or workers from the extremes or effects of the natural elements. Inside the factory, one or more buildings are constructed using stick-building construction techniques (e.g., constructing the building from raw materials without pre-manufactured panels or modular sections). The factory can use assembly line and/or assembly point stick-building techniques.

Abstract: A cold room building is disclosed having a prefabricated insulated housing (30) including four walls, a roof and a floor, and a prefabricated platform (50) providing a generally horizontally extending support surface and having a pair of opposite sides, a plurality of first support brackets (56) disposed along one of said pair of opposite edges and extending downwardly from said surface, and a plurality of second support brackets (58) disposed along the other of said of opposite edges and extending downwardly from said surface. The prefabricated platform (50) further includes at least one air conditioner (80, 90) mounted atop the support surface of the prefabricated platform. The prefabricated platform may also include at least one refrigeration unit (42) mounted atop the support surface of the prefabricated platform.

Abstract: A modular building comprises a support frame for various modules forming the floor, roof and external wall of the building. The floor is provided by floor modules that can be slid or lifted into place within the support frame. Room modules may be incorporated into the floor. Services may be installed in the modules.

Abstract: A building manufacturing system is provided. The system includes a temporary assembly facility configured to substantially cover one or more permanent building locations. The temporary assembly facility is further configured to enable one or more buildings to be assembled up the one or more permanent building locations. The temporary assembly facility can include a manufacturing facility. The temporary assembly facility can include a transportation system. The transportation system can include an overhead rail system. The temporary assembly facility can include a roof configured to divert precipitation. The roof can be flexible. The roof can include a canvass portion. The roof can include a plastic portion. A method of building a building is also provided. The method can include covering a permanent building location with a portion of a temporary assembly facility, assembling the building upon the permanent building location and removing the portion from the permanent building location.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing homes is provided. An embodiment includes a sub-assembly plant for assembling planar sections of a home according to production schedule for custom homes. The embodiment also includes at least one final assembly facility located proximal to a subdivision where a plurality of the custom homes are to be situated. The final assembly facility is for receiving the planar sections from the sub-assembly plant and for constructing the homes from planar portions according to the production schedule.

Abstract: A modular tower assembly for use with blown film extrusion processes, where modular tower sections each having identical columns/foot prints can be stacked on top of one another. Each module can have rectangular type platforms with walk decks about a central rectangular void middle. Staircases can be built into the side of all decks modules up to the top deck. Each of the four vertical legs of the deck modules has flat plate bottoms to stack on the deck surface of the module beneath, and side cross bracing. Side extension platform deck wings with legs can be used when the central rectangular void is enlarged. The modules can be pre-formed and brought onsite to be erected in a rapid assembly manner by fasteners such as bolts, and be removable as compared to permanent type welded towers. The modular towers can include adjustable bracing components for further stiffening the modular towers to have reduced swaying, twisting and vibrations over time.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a fluid-injectable internal bag layer, a base-material layer superposed on an external periphery of the internal bag layer and impregnated with a photo-curing resin, and an outer layer superposed on an external periphery of the base-material layer and having transparency. The base-material layer is formed of a composite member serving as a reinforcing fiber layer impregnated with the photo-curing resin, and a grid net superposed on the composite member and preventing flow of the photo-curing resin.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved power generation facility and method of construction. The improved power generation facility of the present invention provides a low impact implementation suitable for placement in or near a developed, populated area comprising ultimate consumers. The improved power generation facility comprises a foundation; a plurality of legs which form a support structure capable of supporting a plurality of condenser modules with cooling fans of predetermined size; and a housing for containing predetermined power generation equipment, the housing fitting inside the support structure and having a facade which can be made to blend into a surrounding environment's architecture. In a preferred mode, the legs are tricolumn legs that may be removably fastened to each other and to the foundation. Further, the housing may be suspended from the support structure and the plurality of cooling fans situated to minimize noise from the cooling fans.

Abstract: A multilevel spiral incremental structure and construction method for residential and/or commercial buildings is disclosed. The present structure is constructed using a plurality of prefabricated modular units or pods which are substantially similar in their size and configuration and assembled symmetrically about a central core designed to contain ductwork, conduit, vents, pipes and other utility apparatus. The pods are supported on stepped foundation piers at progressively higher elevations based upon a calculated vertical increment factor. In a preferred embodiment six pods are arranged about a central core to produce a hexagonal structure resulting in a vertical increase of about ten feet or one story in floor elevation per revolution about the core. The present construction may be cost effectively expanded into a multilevel building by adding new pods after the initial construction phase without digging a new foundation or demolishing portions of the original structure.

Abstract: A modular tower assembly for use with blown film extrusion processes, where modular tower sections each having identical columns/foot prints can be stacked on top of one another. Each module can have rectangular type platforms with walk decks about a central rectangular void middle. Staircases can be built into the side of all decks modules up to the top deck. Each of the four vertical legs of the deck modules has flat plate bottoms to stack on the deck surface of the module beneath, and side cross bracing. Side extension platform deck wings with legs can be used when the central rectangular void is enlarged. The modules can be pre-formed and brought onsite to be erected in a rapid assembly manner by fasteners such as bolts, and be removable as compared to permanent type welded towers. The modular towers can include adjustable bracing components for further stiffening the modular towers to have reduced swaying, twisting and vibrations over time.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing at a given site a building having a predetermined shape with a periphery that is essentially defined by a width and a length, and the building having generally vertical walls. At a second site creating an upright structure having an interior bounded by spaced-apart and generally vertical walls but no floor, the separation of said walls serving to define an empty shell whose size and shape corresponds to that of the building that is to be constructed. Connecting horizontal beams to the interior of the upright structure so that they and the upright structure can be lifted. Positioning inside the upright structure a trailer that has the necessary load capacity to transport the upright structure over a public road. Temporarily connecting the trailer to the horizontal beams and transporting the upright structure to the first site. Disconnecting the trailer from the upright structure and removing the trailer from the interior of the upright structure.

Abstract: An electric cable introduction structure in an explosion-proof facility includes a relay terminal box, a rack and an explosion-proof building. The relay terminal box connects an external electric cable to an internal electric cable. The rack is provided with the relay terminal box and sealed from the relay terminal box. Also, the rack relays the internal electric cable introduced from the relay terminal box. The explosion-proof building is provided with the rack outside and sealed from the rack and receives the internal electric cable from the rack.

Abstract: A structure and method of constructing a multistory concrete building formed entirely of poured in place concrete tunnels. The structure is constructed so that the substructure can be used as a parking garage and the superstructure as residential space. The unique use of concrete tunnels in both the substructure and superstructure combines the benefits of column and plate construction with concrete tunnel construction while eliminating the need for a traditional transfer deck between the superstructure and substructure.

Abstract: A prefabricated pad for a pool and its associated method of installation under the liner of an above-ground pool. The prefabricated pad is interposed between the ground surface and the pool liner, wherein the prefabricated pad cushions the pool liner, reduces contact stresses against the pool liner and prevents the pool liner from being punctured by any object present below the pool. The prefabricated pad also supports the pool liner as the pool liner turns from the vertical walls of the pool to the flat bottom of the pool.

Abstract: A container for a prefabricated building is disclosed. The container is formed from components of the prefabricated building. The container is built to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes. Additional storage for some building components is preferably provided by attaching channel members to the top of the container. Supports and a covering for the additional storage space may be included. The additional storage space is preferably dimensioned to allow the container to substantially conform to standard shipping container sizes.

Abstract: A building module, modular building constructions and methods for erected same are disclosed. The module is of deep U-shape configuration, defining a space which is able to enclose various facilities within a building structure. A typical module includes a raceway and internal conduit system for power and/or communications system etc. Preset-levelling and self-centering device provide for quick erection of the modules in a wide variety of arrays and configurations to provide exterior walls and to enclose and define interior space.

Abstract: A method of converting shipping containers containing factory equipment into a modular portable factory which comprises transporting the shipping containers to the factory site and aligning the containers in a side-by-side relation with their facing walls, to define the walls of the factory and floor of the factory. A roof structure spans over the top of the container to form top closure for the factory and access doors and stairways are provided in the factory. Shipping containers (main storage units) containing building materials are mounted on a foundation with the supply containers placed perpendicular, parallel or angled to the main storage units. The supply containers are movable by a supply track and the product moved by an assembly track, respectively, and turntables at the end of each of these tracks are operatively connected to the tracks to move the supplies or products in a desired direction.

Abstract: A construction method in which wall panel (2) receives studs (12) in apertures (8) or grooves (10). The studs (12) may be inserted through the wall panel after the wall panel is positioned. The studs (12) engage a bottom plate (20) in a snap fit.

Abstract: A method of construction which produces an air tight structure which is capable of being insulated to high R values. The method comprises the following steps: erecting an inner wall having a footer, a top plate, and spaced upright studs, along an inner edge portion of the supporting structure; covering the exterior side portion of the inner wall with a vapor barrier so that electrical wiring and plumbing may be run within the interior wall without penetrating the vapor barrier; erecting an outer wall having a footer, a top plate, and spaced upright studs along an outer edge portion of the supporting structure parallel to and spaced from the inner wall, said outer wall used to carry an exterior building wall covering after insulation which is positioned between the walls and between the studs of the outer wall; and, erecting a supported structure on top of the top side portion of the walls.

Abstract: A method of installation of an emergency shelter to be used under the floor of a residential or commercial structure. In the preferred embodiment, a prefabricated acrylic shelter is sized to accommodate at least one individual in a crouching or sitting position. In the preferred embodiment, the shelter is placed prior to the pouring of a slab foundation. In an alternate embodiment, the shelter is placed prior to building the floor in a pier and beam foundation.

Abstract: A pre-manufactured natural gas delivery station is presented to a client that filters, measures, controls, pre-heats, pressure reduces, odorizes, and provides communication, provides excess power, and provides excess heat for a host site. The design is pre-approved by supply pipeline, end users and regulatory bodies. The final configuration is welded, assembled, wired, painted, tagged, and tested, at a factory site and then shipped to an installation site in accordance with customer's requirements. The station is commissioned, operators are trained and a three volume project DATA book is installed in the control room for documentation. The pre-manufactured natural gas delivery station can include a high pressure gas metering room and regulating room that can be selectively coupled to other prefabricated modular rooms or modules. Preferably, the other prefabricated modules include an odorant room, a heating room, an energy generation room and an electrical control and communications room.