Abstract: A solid state circuit breaker has both solid state electronics and a physical switch. The solid state circuit breaker facilitates power measuring for end loads connected to a panel board circuit, e.g. receptacles, lighting, etc., over current protection, and disconnection all within one device. The solid state circuit breaker can be used at 100% of its rated capacity as opposed to 80% code-mandated limitation for thermal magnetic circuit breakers. The solid state circuit breaker also can provide power/current data (real-time) without the need of an additional device. The solid state circuit breaker further facilitates electronic, i.e. remote, opening, closing, and current limiting for demand response or load shedding.

Abstract: A floating foundation assembly includes a plurality of piers and one or more decks. The plurality of piers are screwed into or otherwise secured to a ground surface at predetermined distances from each other, at predetermined depths. The one or more decks include a precast prestressed deck with standardized geometries. The one or more precast prestressed decks are installed transversely across tops of the plurality of piers and are configured for affixing a structure above them. The one or more precast prestressed decks are manufactured in a controlled environment at an off-construction site, after which they are transported to a construction site and installed on top of the plurality of piers to form the floating foundation assembly. These resulting decks and supporting floating foundation assemblies have superior quality, durability, weatherproofing, and crack resistance.

Abstract: A curved connector to connect at least two precast decks includes a curved shaft having opposing first and second ends, and at least one bar anchor for coupling to at least one of the first and second ends and for providing a rigid moment connection between the at least two precast decks of a precast foundation. The curved connector further includes at least one connector bolt for compressing the at least one bar anchor towards a center of the curved shaft.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes a plurality of girders each including a first insulator and having a longitudinal axis, the plurality of first insulators spaced apart along a first direction transverse to the longitudinal axes. Further, the wall assembly includes one or more second insulators, and fastening elements coupled to the plurality of girders and supporting the one or more second insulators along the first direction between sequentially spaced ones of the plurality of girders. Furthermore, the wall assembly includes a first concrete layer coupled to surfaces of the plurality of first insulators and the one or more second insulators.

Abstract: A method of designing and constructing a net-zero energy building (NZEB) includes generating a design model for the NZEB based on a requirement of a user. The design model is for estimating energy consumption for the NZEB over a predetermined period of time. Further, the NZEB includes one or more building elements and one or more air-ventilation elements, and at least one of the one or more building elements includes pre-cast concrete. The method further includes selecting a characteristic for a building parameter of the one or more building elements such that the estimated energy consumption for the NZEB is within a predetermined range. The one or more air-ventilation elements include at least one heat pump with a programmable thermostat for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and the one or more building elements include one or more photovoltaic (PV) tiles, and one or more organic PV (OPV) windows.

Abstract: A material composition for use in construction includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH), calcium carbonate (CC) powder, hydrophobic dispersible polymer, and a retarder comprising modified amino acid. Further, a method of using material composition in one or more construction activities includes adding the material composition to water in a mixer, the material composition comprises calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH), calcium carbonate (CC) powder, hydrophobic dispersible polymer, and a retarder comprising modified amino acid. The method further includes blending the material composition with water in the mixer for a predetermined amount of time to produce a jointing compound having a predetermined consistency and workability.

Abstract: A digital signaling device provides visual, audible, and haptic indicators when the digital signaling device changes state. The digital signaling device has a same operational feel and response as a classic electro-mechanical decorator-style light switch, including maintaining switch paddle position, using attractive magnetic latching in combination with a spring contact. The switch paddle can be pressed into one of two positions, each position representing a different state of the digital signaling device. The switch paddle provides a visual indicator of the digital signaling device state in that the switch paddle is maintained in one of the two positions. The attractive magnetic latching provides both an audible and haptic indicator when the magnet pairs are engaged, which corresponds to a change of state of the digital signaling device. The spring contact provides a digital switching mechanism for changing the state of the digital signaling device.

Abstract: A concrete composition for use in construction that is free of cement includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH), polypropylene (PP) fiber, sand, retarders, and superplasticizers. The retarders include poly condensed amino acid and calcium (Ca) salt. The superplasticizers include specially formulated polycarboxylate powder. Further, a method of using the concrete composition in one or more construction related activities (e.g., architectural applications) includes adding the concrete composition to water in a mixer, the concrete composition including CSH, PP fiber, sand, a retarder, and a superplasticizer; and blending the concrete composition with water in the mixer for a first predetermined amount of time. The method further includes mixing the concrete composition with water at a predetermined sheer in the mixer for a second predetermined amount of time. The method excludes the steps of steam curing, accelerated curing, and water curing that are used in conventional solutions.

Abstract: A modular building system allows for quickly and easily erecting prefabricated wall panels on a building foundation at a construction site. The system allows for manufacturing and installing, at a high level, complete budding components, using steps that are highly repeatable and scalable, resulting in construction that is quick and efficient, and easily performed at many types and locations of construction sites. A system in accordance with the invention comprises a wall panel, a floor panel and a roof panel. The wall panel comprises a horizontal member supported along a bottom horizontal edge, and a plurality of vertical studs integral to the horizontal member and extending vertically downward from the horizontal member. A floor panel comprises a rail disposed rigidly fixed to the foundation and defining an enclosure to receive the plurality of vertical studs of the wall panel to thereby vertically position the wall panel upon the foundation.

Abstract: A modular building system allows for quickly and easily erecting prefabricated wall panels on a building foundation at a construction site. The system allows for manufacturing and installing, at a high level, complete budding components, using steps that are highly repeatable and scalable, resulting in construction that is quick and efficient, and easily performed at many types and locations of construction sites. A system in accordance with the invention comprises a wall panel, a floor panel and a roof panel. The wad panel comprises a horizontal member supported along a bottom horizontal edge, and a plurality of vertical studs integral to the horizontal member and extending vertically downward from the horizontal member. A floor panel comprises a rail disposed rigidly fixed to the foundation and defining an enclosure to receive the plurality of vertical studs of the wall panel to thereby vertically position the wall panel upon the foundation.

Abstract: A modular building system allows for quickly and easily erecting prefabricated wall panels on a building foundation at a construction site. The system allows for manufacturing and installing, at a high level, complete budding components, using steps that are highly repeatable and scalable, resulting in construction that is quick and efficient, and easily performed at many types and locations of construction sites. A system in accordance with the invention comprises a wad panel. a floor panel and a roof panel. The wad panel comprises a horizontal member supported along a bottom horizontal edge, and a plurality of vertical studs integral to the horizontal member and extending vertically downward from the horizontal member. A floor panel comprises a rail disposed rigidly fixed to the foundation and defining an enclosure to receive the plurality of vertical studs of the wall panel to thereby vertically position the wall panel upon the foundation.

Abstract: A partition assembly, for creating a partitioned space, includes a first partition wall panel and a second partition wall panel. The second partition wall panel is spaced apart from the first partition wall panel by an adjustable distance to form a cavity therebetween, whereby the partition assembly is tuned to mask sounds transmissible between the first and second partition wall panels within a selectable acoustical range.

Abstract: Mechanical heart valve prostheses having either a single occluder or a pair of occluders are designed to permit such occluders to assume an open position parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve passageway. The pivot arrangements are such that an occluder pivots about a constant center or pivot axis substantially offset from the locations where engagement occurs between the occluder and the valve body, whereby prompt smooth pivoting movement toward the closed position is initiated from an open position parallel to the valve centerline. For example, elongated arcuate shoes protruding from lateral edges of the occluders follow arcuate paths of matching complementary curvature defined by grooves in diametrically opposed flat sidewall sections of the valve body.

Abstract: Heart valves are shown which utilize pivot arrangements that create prompt response to flow reversal and minimize resistance to blood flow in the open position. Illustrated are valves having a pair of identical leaflets that can assume an orientation in the fully open position near maximum blood flow rate that is precisely parallel to the centerline of the passageway. The ability of the leaflets to assume a precisely parallel or low energy position in the bloodstream reduces pressure drop across the valve and results in improved flow characteristics. A camming action adjacent the upstream edges of the leaflets in combination with interengagement at downstream locations on the valve body, spaced from the locations where the camming action with said upstream edges occurs, positively guide the leaflets to assure effective closing movement regardless of momentary deviations in the dynamics of the reverse flow of blood through the valve.

Abstract: Bi-leaflet heart valves have valve body contours and pivot arrangements that create quick valve response to flow reversal. Valve members or leaflets, which can have flat or curved inflow and outflow surfaces, are slidably and pivotally mounted in a heart valve body of contoured profile so they can be aligned precisely parallel to blood flow in the open position. The leaflets engage either projections extending radially inward from flat wall sections in the valve body sidewall or grooves in these flat wall sections. The shape and relationship of these interengaging surfaces, together with a centrally directed surge of backflowing blood which results from the strategic location of a pair of downstream recesses in the annular valve body, cooperate to provide prompt closing rotation of the leaflets from a parallel open orientation.

Abstract: Bi-leaflet and single occluder heart valves have improved pivot arrangements that create quick valve response to flow reversal and minimize impact. Valve members or occluders, which have curved inflow and outflow surfaces, are slidably and pivotally mounted in a heart valve body and can be aligned precisely parallel to blood flow in the open position. Lugs on the valve members engage surfaces on projections extending radially inward from flat wall sections in the valve body sidewall, and the shape and relationship of these interengaging surfaces provide prompt initial rotation, low wear and reduced impact upon closing. Laterally directed ears engage the valve body arcuate sidewall and assist in defining the path of closing movement.

Abstract: Bi-leaflet heart valves have improved flow characteristics in their open position as a result of employing valve bodies of elongated axial dimension. By elongating the axial dimension of valve bodies which have straight, smooth interior wall surfaces oriented parallel to the centerline through the valve and to the flow path of blood, and by employing a pair of occluders which have major surfaces that are rectilinear and can assume an orientation that is substantially parallel to the centerline in the open position, a streamlining of blood flow occurs. The pivot arrangements avoid the use of acute angular surface orientations and cause the occluders, although aligned substantially parallel to blood flow in the open position, to promptly pivot toward the closed position upon reversal of blood flow. This streamlining substantially reduces turbulence and results in low head loss, both significant advantages in bi-leaflet heart valve performance.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves having a single occluder, or a pair of identical mating occluders, guided in their movement from the open to the closed position by pairs of elongated slots in diametrically opposed flat sidewall sections of the valve body. Each occluder is formed with two ears that protrude from opposite flat side surfaces along the lateral edges thereof. The ears may be frustoconical or hemispherical or the like and are slidingly received in elongated slots which can be straight or arcuate. The main body portions of the occluders have rectilinear surfaces that are aligned parallel to the centerline through the valve in the open position, so as to give low resistance to blood flow. However, when the backflow of blood displaces the occluders upstream, the slot arrangements are such that even though the occluder bodies are parallel, pivoting towards the closed position orientation begins essentially immediately, and the closing movement is of short duration so as to minimize regurgitation.

Abstract: Heart valves, particularly those having two identical leaflets, are shown which utilize improved pivot arrangements that create prompt response to flow reversal and minimize impact at the instant of closing. Illustrated are valves having pairs of leaflets that can assume an orientation in the fully open position that is precisely parallel to the centerline of the passageway, yet which will promptly respond upon blood flow reversal and quickly close to prevent substantial regurgitation. The ability of the leaflets to assume a precisely parallel or low energy position in the bloodstream reduces pressure drop across the valve and results in improved flow characteristics. Prompt closing movement pivoting from a parallel position is effected by creating a camming action adjacent the upstream edges of the leaflets while positively guiding the overall path of leaflet translation and rotation by interengagement at other locations spaced from the upstream edges.

Abstract: Bi-leaflet and single occluder heart valves have improved pivot arrangements that create quick valve response to flow reversal and minimize impact. Valve members or occluders, which are slidably and pivotally mounted in a heart valve body, can be aligned precisely parallel to blood flow in the open position. Lugs on the valve members engage surfaces on projections extending radially inward from flat wall sections in the valve body sidewall, and the shape and relationship of these interengaging surfaces provide prompt initial rotation, low wear and reduced impact upon closing. Laterally directed ears engage the valve body arcuate sidewall and assist in defining the path of closing movement.