Abstract: A panel mounting system configured to securely mount a panel to a support structure includes a channel and a pivoting wedge assembly. The pivoting wedge assembly is configured to selectively lock a panel to the channel. In one or more implementations, the pivoting wedge assembly is configured to automatically rotate between a released position and a locked position.

Abstract: A roller door system includes one or more sets of rollers configured to mount to a panel frame member on an upper end of a panel, and move through a complementary upper guide. A lower side of the panel frame can also be guided through one or more bottom tracks. These components, when coupled with the resin panel, can provide the ability to provide a smooth gliding motion for the resin panel door. In addition, the frame in which the panel is mounted can be configured with one or more components to accommodate the unique expansion and contraction properties of resin materials, and thus allow a stable, long term mounting solution. The upper guide and the lower track can also be configured with one or more components or mechanisms for pitch adjustment, as well as to adjust for uneven or irregular mounting surfaces.

Abstract: A variable length standoff assembly is configured to mount one or more portions of one or more panels to a frame or support structure, regardless of curvature or angling in the given panel or frame. The variable length standoff assembly includes a connector bar to which one or more variable length standoffs can be attached. Each variable length standoff includes a standoff barrel and adjustable extender to which a manufacturer can attach a portion of a given panel via a mounting cap. Each variable length standoff can be rotated about the connector bar, and can be extended or shortened to a wide range of lengths. In one implementation, a variable length standoff can also be configured to rotate with respect to the connector bar in at least two planes, thereby providing additional degrees of freedom for attaching variously curved and/or differentially orientated panels to a support structure.

Abstract: Low-profile fastener assemblies for mounting objects, such as decorative architectural resin panels, to a support structure at a standoff include a standoff barrel, threaded rod, and low-profile cap. The low-profile cap can have a curved profile configured to reduce its height while also allowing for one or more separated recesses to be formed therein. Implementations of the present invention also include a cap key configured to engage the one or more separated recesses of the low-profile cap for use in tightening the low-profile cap onto the threaded rod. In addition, one implementations of the present invention include systems having a plurality of panels mounted to one or more support structures using one or more low-profile fastener assemblies.

Abstract: An efficient lamination presses can rapidly heat and precisely control the temperature of a laminate assembly to create final products with excellent structural and aesthetic properties. Specifically, an efficient lamination press can include a radiant heating assembly. The radiant heating assemblies can uniformly heat one or more platens using radiation. The platens in turn can comprise material having a high thermal conductivity, which can allow them to quickly transfer heat to a laminate assembly. The platens can further comprise one or more fluid channels that enable rapid cooling. The rapid heating and cooling capability can enable fast processing times for laminate panels at much lower energy levels than with conventional presses.

Abstract: An efficient lamination presses can rapidly provide both heating and cooling, as well as pressure to resin sheets to create a laminate end-product. Specifically, an efficient lamination press can comprise one or more components and apparatus that can apply uniform fluid pressure across one or more platens. The one or more platens, in turn, can flex about one or more contours in a layup assembly. For example, an exemplary platen can comprise a plurality of coupled platen extensions, which can flex or otherwise adjust about each other to help create flexibility in the platen, and thus, uniform pressure across a laminate assembly.

Abstract: A semi-private partition or covering includes a collapsible structure having a plurality of uniform perforations formed therein. The plurality of uniform perforations can be configured in size, shape, and dimension to provide not only aesthetic but functional differences from one partition to the next. A manufacturer can make a partition by forming a collapsible structure, such as by bonding a plurality of elongate cells along a plurality of different horizontal seams. The manufacturer can then position a plurality of cutout apparatus about the structure and apply the cutout apparatus to create hollow perforations passing through the entire depth of the collapsible structure (e.g., when expanded). The partition can be mounted to a top or side support structure for any combination of vertical or horizontal expansion/contraction of the partition.

Abstract: A dichroic, light refracting resin panel comprises one or more dichroic/refracting films that have been embedded and/or laminated between a plurality of resin substrates, such as copolyester, polycarbonate, and/or acrylic substrates. The dichroic resin panel can be manufactured with a variety of different materials, and with autoclave or hot press methods in a manner that ensures structural and aesthetic integrity. Specifically, a dichroic resin panel in accordance with the present invention can be created in such a way as to avoid delamination despite a variety of end-uses and formations (e.g., curved panel, embossed/textured surfaces). In addition, the dichroic resin panels can be handled, transported, and installed in a variety of exterior or interior applications, even where certain building code requirements may be relatively stringent. The dichroic resin panels can be used in a variety of structural and/or aesthetic applications.

Abstract: Flexible mounting brackets and support structures can be used to mount substantially linear panels to substantially non-linear support structures without undue stress. For example, at least one implementation comprises a flexible mounting bracket having an attachment interface located on a proximal portion of the bracket, and a mounting interface on a distal portion of the bracket. The proximal and distal portions of the bracket are pivotally connected with one or more torsion springs, so that the proximal and distal portions can move or otherwise adjust to accommodate any stressing. A system for creating a nonlinear support structure thus includes the flexible mounting bracket, as well as vertical support structure components that can be configured to maintain a non-linear shape. Panels mounted to a plurality of flexible brackets maintain the non-linear shape of the support structure components without undue stress or damage.

Abstract: Washer assemblies for mounting panels to a support without damaging the panels include a countersunk washer and a sleeve. In one implementation, the washer assemblies are configured to at least partially prevent the formation of hoop stresses within a panel, and uniformly transmit forces created by a fastener to a panel. The washer assemblies can be configured to enhance the function, look, feel, or aesthetic of a panel system. In addition, systems of at least one implementation of the present invention include a plurality of panels mounted to one or more supports using one or more washer assemblies and methods of mounting such systems.