Abstract: HVAC system includes a front side access panel, an HVAC unit, a mounting sleeve, and a back side grille. The mounting sleeve and the HVAC unit are configured to fit within the preexisting framing of a building, and in particular to be mounted in a wall, between pre-existing studs, of a room. The HVAC unit can be installed into the mounting sleeve via quick connect mechanisms including, but not limited to, snap in connections and/or tab and slot features. The mounting sleeve enables rapid installation and also condensate collection. The HVAC unit includes an evaporator section, a mechanical section, and a condenser section that are integrally formed as a single physical unit. The design of the HVAC system is optimized to maximize space utilization and support efficient installation and servicing while minimizing product intrusion into living space.

Abstract: A thin wall profile member (TPM) with a cross-sectional shape and dimensions constant along its length is pre-constructed for use as a load carrying, weight optimized structural element. The TPM includes at least one main strip and at least one additional strip each having longitudinal reinforcing ribs. The at least one additional strip has a width that does not exceed a width of the at least one main strip and has a thickness that equals or exceeds a thickness of the at least one main strip. The ratio of the width of the at least one additional strip to the width of the at least one main strip has a value greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1. The ratio of the thickness of the at least one additional strip to the thickness of the at least one main strip has a value that is greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a connector assembly comprises: a connector; and a pair of side collectors, each comprising a connector engagement region having a size and geometry to mate with the connector so as to hold ends of two adjacent panels together; and a panel engagement region comprising a receiving area and having a size to attach onto an edge of the panel; and a clip, wherein the clip has a base that can be attached to a support, an engagement, and a stem extending therebetween, wherein the engagement has an extension projecting from a side of the engagement, wherein the panel engagement region further comprises an opening in a joint wall on a side of the panel engagement region opposite the receiving area, wherein the opening is configured to receive the extension of the engagement.

Abstract: A wall panel system includes a base track and a plurality of interlocking wall panels. Each wall panel includes a continuous and unitarily formed first panel member and a continuous and unitarily formed second panel member. Each panel member includes a first face portion, an edge portion, and a plurality of connection members. The first and second panel members are interconnected by the plurality of connection member on the first panel member engaging the plurality of connection members on the second panel member.

Abstract: A ceramic board (1), of at least cement and gypsum, preferably in the proportions 1:10, and can include additional filler material in the composition. The board is used for various applications including as a door panel (31) or cabinet door (81). The board (21) can have channels, grooves, honeycomb, corrugations, or protrusions (22) extending along one or both faces which help to lighten the board whilst retaining rigidity, and which can have filler material (103) provided therein. The board (31) can have mounting points (35) for cabinet hinges or a lock, and can have internal strengthening members (142a,b,c) within the material of the board. The board or door can have an edge protector, which can be internal (153) or external (112). An end of the board can form a recess (184) for cables, pipes etc, which can be formed by internal strengtheners protruding from the end of the ceramic material (FIGS. 18a, 18b). The board can have an internal frame or skeleton embedded within the ceramic material.

Abstract: An architectural membrane assembly including an interior membrane layer having a first inner surface, an exterior membrane layer having a second inner surface, an aerogel material disposed between the interior membrane layer and the exterior membrane layer, wherein the first and second inner surfaces are adjacent to the aerogel material and a vapor barrier deposited on one of the first and second inner surfaces.

Abstract: A panel for a building form made of insulating material such as polystyrene is integrated with a reinforcing member for enabling the panel to resist deformation due to forces applied against its concrete-facing surface. Reinforcement of floor/roof panels is beneficial to reduce the amount of, or eliminate the need for, shoring for supporting the weight of wet concrete or workers. The reinforcement resists against deformation due to cracking, splitting etc. Reinforcement is likewise beneficial for wall forms where the weight of concrete asserts significant pressure against the concrete-facing surface of the form, in order to resist deformation of the wall forms under pressure. The reinforcing member may be made of a plastic material such as polypropylene or high-impact polystyrene. Methods of manufacturing reinforced form panels are disclosed.

Abstract: A building system comprising: a building panel comprising first and second outer sheet members, an inner sheet member disposed between the first and second outer sheet members, and solid insulating material disposed between the first and second outer sheet members and the inner sheet member; a first track member, the first track member and the building panel being arranged such that the panel is engagable along a first side with the first track member and the first track member is connectable to the first and second outer sheet members; a second track member, the second track member and the building panel being arranged such that the panel is engagable along a second side with the second track member and the second track member is connectable to the first and second outer sheet members and the inner sheet member.

Abstract: An insulated fire door includes a door shell having spaced first and second exterior panels and a gypsum panel between the first and second exterior panels. The insulated fire door includes a plurality of spacers bonded across an interior side of each of the first and second exterior panels. The spacers maintain the gypsum panel in a spaced position from the interior sides of the first and second exterior panels as the door bows during a fire on one side of the door, until the gypsum disintegrates. Each of the spacers may have a flat portion contacting the gypsum panel, a leg extending from the flat portion spacing the gypsum from the interior sides of the first and second exterior panels, and a flange extending from the leg bonding the spacer to the first and second exterior panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite honeycomb sandwich panel equipped with a composite rail aluminum I-shaped side insert, and more specifically, to an improved structure of a hybrid composite sandwich panel having a laminated composite skin and an aluminum honeycomb core which is mechanically improved in terms of assembly, strength and weight. The composite honeycomb sandwich panel includes: a planar honeycomb core; a composite rail which is wrapped around the periphery of the honeycomb core and has therein a hollow space that is open on opposite sides thereof; an I-shaped center rail insert which is fitted into the hollow space of the composite rail so that the sandwich panel is connected to an adjacent sandwich panel by bolting through the I-shaped center rail insert; and laminated composite skins which cover upper and lower surfaces of the honeycomb core having the composite rail wrapped around.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for incorporating face- and center-mounted panels into a single wall module to form nested wall modules. For instance, face-mounted panels can nest within the center-mounted panels. Additionally or alternatively, center-mounted panels can nest within the face-mounted panels to form windows.

Abstract: A panel assembly includes at least one reinforcing assembly made of a high strength material having a low yield to tensile strength ratio for energy absorption and reduced weight and profile. The panel assembly may be light-weight with a low profile to minimize protrusion into an opening or compartment enclosed by the panel. The panel assembly may be a floor panel assembly for a vehicle floor. The reinforcing assembly may traverse the panel such that the reinforcing assembly extends laterally, e.g., cross-vehicle, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body. A method of making the panel assembly may include forming the reinforcing assembly by joining a plurality of metal channel members in a nested arrangement with a plurality of welds to provide a structural assembly with good bending resistance loads imposed on the panel assembly including knee loads. The channel members may be made of a dual phase steel.

Abstract: A sun louvre formed by a structure supporting an interweave of metal sheets is provided. The sun louvre includes a plurality of structural profiles and a plurality of supporting plates. The supporting plates have two perforations which are passed through by an outer tube and an inner tube. The sheets pass by a front portion of the outer tube and by a rear portion of the inner tube immediately precedent or previous with respect to the outer tube. Adjacent sheets are interwoven in an alternate manner with respect to the outer and inner tubes. Ends of the sheets have reinforcement plates from which a hook is gripped. The hook has a stud fixed thereto that is enclosed by a spring that tensions the sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reinforcement structure of a rectangular flat metal plate, which is provided with: a rectangular flat metal plate that is predominantly subjected to in-plane shear, and supports a compressive load as necessary; strip-like rectangular section members that are spliced in parallel with both side edges of the flat plate in the longitudinal direction so as to reinforce the flat plate; and a plurality of square tube-like members that are parallelly arranged for each constant interval in the shorter side direction of the flat plate, and are spliced on one side surface of the flat plate, or are spliced so as to overlap one another across the flat plate between both surfaces of the front and back of the flat plate, wherein the torsional rigidity and torsional strength of the rectangular flat metal plate are increased to ensure a yield shear load, and shear yield strength can be stably maintained even in the transition of shear deformation after the yield.

Abstract: A shutter assembly includes a main body having a first side member and a second side member. Each of the first side member and the second side member has a first attachment feature. The shutter assembly also includes at least one cap. The cap has a pair of spaced apart second attachment features. The first attachment features of the first side member and the second side member of the main body and the second attachment features of the cap cooperate with one another to selectively secure the cap to the main body.

Abstract: A structure constructed from plastic may include one or more reinforcing portions that are sized and configured to prevent damage to the structure. For example, the structure may be a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and the table top may include a body with one or more corners. The corners may include an interior portion and an exterior portion, and reinforcement portions may be sized and configured to help prevent damage to the corners of the table top. In addition, one or more depressions may be at least partially disposed within the reinforcement portions, if desired. The reinforcement portions, for example, may include one or more inwardly and/or outwardly extending portions.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall panel is provided. The wall panel has a sheathing having a first edge parallel to a long dimension and a plurality of spaced-apart molded studs. The studs are secured to the sheathing parallel to the first edge of the sheathing with tops of the studs positioned below a top edge of the sheathing for installation of a seal plate across the tops of the studs. The studs include an outer stud secured to the first edge of the sheathing and extends beyond the first edge by about one-half of the width of the outer stud.

Abstract: A structure constructed from plastic may include one or more reinforcing portions that are sized and configured to prevent damage to the structure. For example, the structure may be a table top constructed from blow-molded plastic and the table top may include a body with one or more corners. The corners may include an interior portion and an exterior portion, and reinforcement portions may be sized and configured to help prevent damage to the corners of the table top. In addition, one or more depressions may be at least partially disposed within the reinforcement portions, if desired. The reinforcement portions, for example, may include one or more inwardly and/or outwardly extending portions.

Abstract: Building or structural panels may be joined, such as to form walls or floors. The panels have edge anchors with mounts. The anchors may comprise elongate members defining a trough having spaced cross-pins. A connector is positioned between adjacent panels. The connector engages the mounts of the anchors, such by having the cross-pins slide into slots of the connector. The panels may have outer skins located over an expanded core comprising a matrix of supporting elongate members and voids or openings, with the anchors located slots formed in the edges of the panels.

Abstract: An edge-wrapped panel and methods for edge-wrapping a panel. The panel comprises a substrate layer, a laminate layer, and at least one retainer. The laminate wraps around the substrate first edge and around the retainer first edge and sandwiches the substrate and the retainer between a first portion of the laminate and a second portion of the laminate. A method for edge-wrapping the panel includes the steps of securing the retainer to the laminate and then snap-wrapping the laminate flap around the edge of the panel. A stiffness and curvature in the retainer facilitates the swift snap-wrap movement.

Abstract: An adjustable bulkhead is disclosed. The adjustable bulkhead includes a compressible section that may be compressed in order to change the height or width of the bulkhead.

Abstract: An internal shear panel for reducing the tendency of the upper portions of buildings to move relative to the foundation when lateral forces, such as those produced by winds and earthquakes, are applied to the walls. The shear panel is pre-assembled having two vertical posts and two diaphragm members interconnecting the two vertical posts. The panel also has an upper and a lower horizontal member that are connected to the vertical posts and the diaphragm members. The lower horizontal member and the vertical posts are configured to be attached via brackets to holdown bolts mounted in the foundation of a building and the upper horizontal member is configured to be attached to an upper plate or rail of the wall. Hence, the shear panel can be installed by connecting the upper horizontal member to the upper portion of the wall and connecting the lower horizontal member to the holdown bolts in the foundation.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A profiled deck is roll-formed from a steel sheet to define at least one pair of crests, a stiffener upstanding from the surface of each crest, a trough positioned between the or each pair of crests, and inclined webs extending between the sides of the trough and the neighbouring sides of the crests. The boundary between each web and crest defines a corner which has a smooth curvilinear profile and the elemental compression width of each crest is no more than four times the elemental compression width of the respective stiffener. Furthermore, the radius of each curvilinear corner is not less than 33 mm.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for constructing support structures in buildings or other projects, which can support molds for use when pouring reinforced concrete slabs. The disclosed structures can accommodate more than one molds stacked vertically one over the other, and can remain in place to define walls or other separators in the completed structure. In one embodiment, the disclosed structure is a wall panel including a frame and vertical support members. The wall panel includes features allowing the vertical stacking of multiple wall panels. A temporary bracing system is further disclosed for use when stabilizing multiple stacked panels until construction of the surrounding floor or ceiling slabs has been completed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a building panel which has structural integrity. A plurality of stud members with opposed side surfaces and opposed end surfaces extend from a first face of the panel toward a second face. The plurality of stud members are spaced from each other and extend in a direction which is essentially parallel to each other. A rigid foam fills the volume of the panel which is not filled by the plurality of stud members. The rigid foam is bonded to at least one side surface of each of the plurality of stud members. The bonding of the rigid foam to the plurality of stud members results in a stable and strong panel which is capable of accommodating large shear loads.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a lightweight board with two thin-walled top layers and at least one core layer located between the top layers and connected to these, and a process to manufacture this. The process to manufacture the invented lightweight board is characterised by a first process stage in which a groove is made in at least one longitudinal side of the lightweight board, a profile strip is inserted in a second process stage into the groove in the lightweight board and a further profile strip is attached in a third stage on the previously attached profile strip.

Abstract: A door is constructed with a separate member joined to the door edge by a tongue-and-groove coupling and screws so as to be readily removable and replaceable. The separate member sustains the impacts imparted to the door by carts or wagons pushed past the door and can be readily replaced when damaged, thus avoiding replacement of the entire door. A flexible cover snaps over the outer surface of the separate member to add impact resistance and aesthetic appeal. Intumescent strips may be inserted inside or outside of the cover to enhance sealing between the door, and as adjacent door or door frame, thereby improving the fire resistance rating of the door. Accent strips or reveals of contrasting or complementary colors may be incorporated to add to the aesthetic appeal of the door. The door construction is of particular utility in schools, health care facilities and other institutions.

Abstract: Integral Panel for walls and slabs integrated by the following elements: two parallel electro welded wire meshes, galvanized or annealed, cut to the exact measurement of the wall or slab needed. a plurality of connectors and separators in the shape of a cross which will be welded perpendicularly by their edges to the horizontal and vertical wires or rebars of such electro welded wire meshes, welding in a parallel form to the meshes, fixing, supporting, and separating the polystyrene core. the insulating core cut to the exact required measurement is placed in the center of the two meshes that form a sandwich. the electro welded union mesh, with or without being bent, to join walls and/or slabs with each other. all the union elements: wire, welding points, etc. to join all the components with each other. all the “cantilevers” of one of the two electro welded meshes, that will support the panel in the existing supports of the structure to be built.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sticking edging material (10, 12) onto lightweight building boards (1) comprising two thin-walled outer layers (2, 4) and a core layer (6) of lightweight filler material disposed between the outer layers (2, 4), having the steps: provision of a lightweight building board (1), a decor edge (10) and a stabilizing edge (12), and sticking on of the decor edge (10) and/or the stabilizing edge (12) in the region of a narrow surface (1?) of the lightweight building board (1). The process according to the invention is characterized in that at least the stabilizing edge (12) comprises a synthetic fiber material, preferably a cellulose-based fiber material, particularly paperboard material.

Abstract: Various rolled or extruded profiles (1c, 1d) with weld locations are used to connect together structural sandwich plate members comprising first and second outer metal plates (21) and an elastomer core (22) bonded to said outer metal plates (21) with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.

Abstract: A prefabricated modular panel, comprising a framework that includes a plurality of lattices, with a lattice of the plurality of lattices comprising a first elongated member and a second elongated member that are spaced apart and juxtapose laterally parallel, forming an axial length of the lattice. Further included is a third member substantially transversally oriented at an angle along the axial length of the lattice, with the third member coupling the first elongated member with the second elongated member to form the lattice, with the plurality of lattices forming the framework. The plurality of lattices are coupled with one another in parallel by a solidified filler material forming a single piece, unitary modular panel.

Abstract: An improved panel (10) for lift doors, made of metal or another suitable material, including a plate (12) in a basically rectangular shape, whose longer sides extend in height and are folded back with a “C”-shaped profile in the longitudinal direction to form opposed edges or rims (14) turned towards the longitudinal axis of the plate itself, the lower base of the latter being equipped with a basically “S”-shaped back fold including a horizontal flat portion (22) along which a plurality of fissures (24) are made which receive a portion of the lower edge of one or more stiffening members (36).

Abstract: A molding-furnished glass in which a resin molding is integrally provided to the edge portion of a glass base. A metal molding is attached to the resin molding by connecting the metal molding to the resin molding through the use of a slide piece and a fastener.

Abstract: A building panel for residential and commercial construction uses a plurality of insulating blocks connected together by adhesive. The insulation blocks are typically made of foam. A plurality of support members are disposed on opposite sides of the insulating blocks and offset with respect to the adjacent support member. The support member are typically made of metal and can have different shapes including “T” shape, “U” shape, and “L” shape. Each support member has a head portion in contact with a surface of the insulating block and a stem portion extending into the insulating block and having a length less than a width of the insulating block so that a thermal conduction path of the support member is discontinuous across the insulating block. The panel can be used as a curtain wall panel in high-rise construction, as well as bodies for aircraft, automotive, and marine applications.

Abstract: A door structure, comprising a metallic door frame, having opposite sides, plastic paneling received on the frame in covering relation with at least one of the sides, the plastic paneling including paneling sections having abutting edges.

Abstract: A stiff panel (1) comprises a skin (2) and at least one stiffener (3) of composite material on said skin. Free surface (311) of web (31) of stiffener (3) on the stiff panel according to the invention comprises a deformable core (33) and a covering (34) which covers core (33) and joins said core with structural part (35) of web (31). The width of core (33) is equal to or greater than the width of structural part (35) of web (31) of stiffener (3), depending on the shock energy against which panel (1) must be protected.

Abstract: A door is constructed with a separate member joined to the door edge by a tongue-and-groove coupling and screws so as to be readily removable and replaceable. The separate member sustains the impacts imparted to the door by carts or wagons pushed past the door and can be readily replaced when damaged, thus avoiding replacement of the entire door. A flexible cover snaps over the outer surface of the separate member to add impact resistance and aesthetic appeal. Intumescent strips may be inserted inside or outside of the cover to enhance sealing between the door, and as adjacent door or door frame, thereby improving the fire resistance rating of the door. Accent strips or reveals of contrasting or complementary colors may be incorporated to add to the aesthetic appeal of the door. The door construction is of particular utility in schools, health care facilities and other institutions.

Abstract: A high strength low density panel. The panel is formed of sections. Each section will preferably have the shape of a cuboid or a prism. At least one face of each section is provided with a buttress. The sections are preferably inverted relative to each other. The sections are configured so that they share sidewalls with each adjacent section, which creates a series of braces extending across the panel. The prismatic sections are paired to form cuboids. These cuboids have a diagonal internal wall. The internal walls of the cuboids align in the panel to create braces that extend across the panel at an angle to the other braces. Finally, all of the buttresses are configured so that the buttress of adjacent and cater-corner sections meet their respective common section corners at substantially the same point.

Abstract: A bracket for joining at least two spanning members, such as a board and a supporting member, includes a generally planar unitary body having front and rear sections, and a mid-section. The front and rear sections include locking members, which interlock when two brackets are aligned to each other. The bracket allows building of a structure, such as a deck, from top, where the nail or screw heads are hidden.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.

Abstract: A composite panel comprises an outer skins and an inner core. The inner core includes a frame, an elastomeric material disposed between at least a portion of the frame and the outer skin, and a foamed polymer filler. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: The object of this invention is a stiffener stop in particular for a primary structural panel of the “skin+stiffener” type for aircraft, said stop consisting of an initial slope connected to the normal height of the stiffener and a final slope, wherein at least one interval having a slope nearly equal to zero with respect to the plane of the base skin in the stop area is inserted between the two aforesaid slopes.

Abstract: A plank is disclosed. The plank has a cellular thermoform plastic substrate, a groove formed in at least one planar surface of the cellular thermoform plastic substrate, and a fiber reinforced thermoset plastic backing on the at least one planar surface. The fiber reinforced thermoset plastic backing includes a fiber chord positioned in the groove, a fiber matt placed upon at least a portion of the one planar surface, and a cured strip thermoset resin on the one planar surface in which the fiber chord and the fiber matt are embedded. Planks for siding of buildings and a method of forming the plank are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for joining a composite structural member to a metallic structural member is provided. The apparatus includes a composite structural member, a metallic transitional member, and a metallic structural member. The metallic transitional member may have a substantially H-shaped cross sectional geometry and may include at least two tapered flanges and at least one web portion. An adhesive joint may be used to attach the composite structural member to the tapered flange and the web portion. At least two welds attach the metallic transitional member to the metallic structural member.

Abstract: A prefabricated wall system used in constructing a structure, the system including a wall segment configured to be lightweight and easily handled manually while constructing the structure, and a securing system configured to secure the wall segment in place on the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is an environmentally friendly system to manufacture composite cementitious building panels and to assemble them into completely finished structures. The present invention is an economical building system that provides greater protection from various environmental hazards while requiring less maintenance, energy consumption and upkeep than the currently available systems.

Abstract: A building panel assembly comprises a translucent panel (2) and a spacer (4) to bridge the gap between the translucent panel (2) and a support such as a purlin (3). The spacer (4) is not pre-attached to the translucent panel (2) but is coupled on site to the purlin (3) using a magnetic effect. In this way the spacer is conveniently held in place on the purlin whilst the translucent panel is aligned and then fixed in place using a fixing pin (5).

Abstract: A canopy system for use in the interior building environment. The canopy system of the invention meets seismic code requirements and includes a means for mechanically aligning and registering canopy modules relative one another. The system requires a minimum number of attachment points to the overhead building structure.

Abstract: A modular bullet resistant safe room constructed of a plurality of panels and having external seam covers connected to selected panels to cover the seam where joined to adjacent panels. Top panels are oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction of the room, and are of the same width as side panels. In this manner the room may be easily lengthened or shortened by adding or removing top and side panels.