Abstract: An electromagnetic-actuator (EA) assembly includes a first EA having a first coil-arrangement (CA) with a first coil-core (CC) and a first coil and having a first movable-magnetic-armature-body (MMAB) which is movable by a magnetic-field generated by the first CA from a first into a second position in which the first AB is attracted towards a first-surface, which is different from the first CC and arranged opposite the first AB, and contacts the first CC, and a second EA having a second CA with a second CC and a second coil and having a MMAB having a damping-device mounted on the second AB and which is movable by a magnetic-field generated by the second CA from a first into a second position in which the second AB is attracted towards a second-surface and abuts against the second-surface by the damping-device. The first and second surfaces are identical in construction.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-actuator (EA) including a coil-element (CE) having a coil-core (CC)/coil arranged about the CC-circumference. The CC has a symmetrical first-region (FR) having an axis-of-symmetry (AOS), the CC being surrounded by the coil, and a movable-magnetic-armature-body (MM AB) as a movable-actuator-element (MAE) interacts with the CE to produce an AB activation-movement, and is supported in the actuator by a bearing-device (BD) and movable from a first/second-position by activating the CE. The BD is radially-offset to the CC AOS, and the AB extends from the BD radially over the CC from a first/second-side of the CC, which has a second-region (SR) extending radially beyond the FR and is on second-side (SS) of the CC between the coil/AB in the direction of AOS such that an air-gap between CC/AB in direction of the AOS is smaller on the SS of the CC than on first-side when the AB is in first-position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-actuator having a coil-assembly (CA) with a coil-core (CC) and a coil arranged about the CC circumference and a movable-magnetic-armature-body (MMAB) as a movable-actuator-element (MAE) which is movable by a magnetic-field generated by the CA, the AB being mounted by a bearing-assembly (BA) and movable from a first/second position. The BA has depressions in a first-bearing-section formed on the AB, the depressions being integrated into the AB and being formed in the shape of depressions mutually spaced in the direction of a bearing-axis (BA) of the AB and have an at least partly cylindrical bowl-like shape, and elevations in a second bearing-section formed on the actuator on the CA side, the elevations being formed in the shape elevations which are mutually spaced in the direction of the BA of the AB and have an at least partly cylindrical shape and each of which engages into one of the depressions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device including: a magnetic core with a longitudinal axis, which magnetic core has a first region and a second region; a coil body arranged circumferentially around the second region of the magnetic core and has at least one receiving region for receiving at least one coil winding of a coil; and a housing made of a magnetic material, which housing circumferentially surrounds the magnetic core and the coil body and has at least one contact region in which the housing surrounds/contacts the magnetic core. The first region of the magnetic core has at least one bulge on a surface of the magnetic core facing the contact region of the housing, the bulge being configured such that the magnetic core does not contact the housing in a portion along the longitudinal axis between the bulge and the second region.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering furniture, comprising: a dwelling unit comprising a dwelling residential zone for occupants and a storage zone for furnishings above the residential dwelling zone; at least one lifting device attached to an item of furniture; at least one runner attached to the item of furniture; and at least one vertical channel adapted to engage with the at least one runner as the item of furniture is raised or lowered to or from a storage zone above the room; whereby the furniture is supported by the connection to the lifting device; whereby the at least one runner travels along the at least one channel as the item of furniture is raised or lowered is disclosed. A system for adjusting the height of fixtures in a dwelling unit, comprising at least one lifter with a base below the floor line of the dwelling and extending through the floor of the dwelling wherein the lifter is adapted to lower the fixture down to or near floor level is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular dwelling is disclosed that includes a dwelling unit, a rectangular base, four exterior walls extending from the base to the roof, and at least one entrance through one of the exterior walls. The dwelling unit also includes a utility zone disposed above the base, a residential zone disposed above the utility zone, a storage zone above the dwelling zone, a mechanical zone above the storage zone, and lifting devices in the mechanical zone adapted to raise and lower furnishings between the storage zone and the dwelling zone. Preferably, the modular dwelling includes multiple dwelling units arranged side by side and/or stacked vertically.

Abstract: A system for releasably securing a platform in a raised position is disclosed. A track is provided. An arm is connected at a first end to the platform. A second end, with a lug, is biased toward a side portion of the track. The lug is configured to ride in the track. As the platform is raised, the lug rides upward and enters the top portion and clears a first vertical wall, whereupon the lug rests in the depression and thus supports the platform in the raised position. As the platform is raised further, the lug clears a second vertical wall, whereupon the lug can ride downward in the side portion and through a bottom portion, past a door and out an open end of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A system for reversibly providing a wall, comprising: a first panel comprising first track followers on each of opposite side edges of the first panel; a first pair of tracks adapted to receive the first track followers and that are generally vertical on opposite sides of a space, each comprising: a top at a point overhead, and a lower point part-way to the floor of the space; a second panel comprising: upper second track followers on sides of the second panel near a top edge of the second panel, and lower second track followers on sides of the second panel near a bottom edge of the second panel; wherein, as the first panel is lowered, the first track followers ride in one of the first pair of tracks until at least one first track follower reaches the bottom of the one of the first pair of tracks, thus allowing the first panel, when lowered, to form a first portion of the wall; a second panel comprising: upper second track followers on each of opposite side edges of the first panel proximate to a top edge of

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. Independent panels, with track followers attached to both narrow sides, move along parallel tracks. The panels start in an overhead storage space. The tracks are shaped such that as the panels move from the storage space into the space to be divided, one panel stops higher and the next panel slides down and then under the first panel. These panels preferably form a single-plane divider in the space.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for heating or cooling a room of a building. The apparatus includes a radiant panel supported on a wall, which radiates energy to or from a room. The radiant panel has a conduit for passage of a fluid. The invention also includes a heat exchange device which heats or cools the fluid, which is installed inside the wall between two studs. A first line and second line connect the inlet and outlet to the heat exchange device. A pump that pumps the fluid that is heated or cooled by the heat exchange, whereby the room is heated or cooled depending on whether the fluid is heated or cooled by the heat exchange device.

Abstract: A hydronic panel and system for heating and/or cooling a room is disclosed. The hydronic panel includes a plurality of contiguous channels. A first chamber is located at a first end, preferably the upper end, of the panel and includes an inlet and communicates with a first subset of the channels. A second chamber is located at an opposite end of the panel and communicates with the first subset and also with a second subset of the channels. A third chamber is located at the first end of the panel, the third chamber communicates with the second subset of the channels and includes an outlet. In this configuration, heated or cooled water flows from the inlet into the first chamber, through the first subset of the channels, to the second chamber, through the second subset of the channels, into the third chamber and out the outlet. Consequently, the heated or cooled water can heat or cool the space.

Abstract: An overhead storage system is disclosed. The storage system includes an overhead frame that supports a ceiling for a room, at least one storage box, and a roof or floor for a second room above the first. Attached to the frame is at least one raise/lower mechanism which raises and lowers a storage box. The storage box(es) fit within the frame when raised and are accessible when lowered. Each storage box has a bottom wall that includes a ceiling surface for the room and a structure with at least one storage surface. The raise lower mechanism(s) is a winch driven pulley system that winds up and lets out at least one line.

Abstract: The invention is, in one aspect, a system for heating or cooling a room, including a radiant panel with fluid conduit, which, radiates energy to a room. A heat exchange device exchanges energy between the fluid in the radiant panel and an exchange medium. A vent allows fresh air to enter a room, moved by a fan. The fan propels the air through a chamber for heating or cooling the air, wherein the chamber at least partially comprises the radiant panel.

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. A first panel consists of a first vertical member and a first horizontal member attached perpendicular to a bottom end of the first vertical member and extends away from the first vertical member towards a second panel. The second panel consists of a second vertical member and a second horizontal member attached perpendicular to a top end of the second vertical member and extends away from the second vertical member towards the first panel. The first and second panel can be stored in an overhead position. The space is reversibly divided when the first panel and the second panel are lowered. The first panel is lowered such that the first panel forms a top portion of a wall. The second panel is lowered until the second horizontal member rests on the first horizontal member, forming a bottom portion of the wall.

Abstract: A wheel, typically for use in conjunction with an agricultural irrigation system such as a pivot or wheel line. The wheel has a disc shaped body having a hub to attach to an external frame. The wheel has a plurality of feet attached to the circumference of the body. The feet are generally channel shaped having two ends at either end of the channel. The feet are positioned at the circumference of the body either on the circumference or in indentations or grooves on the circumference such that the ends of the feet overhang the body. Preferably the feet have a space, opening or void between the feet to allow for the passage of snow, mud or other material.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for heating or cooling a room of a building. The apparatus includes a radiant panel supported on a wall, which radiates energy to or from a room. The radiant panel has a conduit for passage of a fluid. The invention also includes a heat exchange device which heats or cools the fluid, which is installed inside the wall between two studs. A first line and second line connect the inlet and outlet to the heat exchange device. A pump that pumps the fluid that is heated or cooled by the heat exchange, whereby the room is heated or cooled depending on whether the fluid is heated or cooled by the heat exchange device.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating or cooling a room of a building with an exterior wall includes a radiant panel supported on an exterior wall, which includes a fluid conduit for passage of a fluid. The fluid enters through an inlet and exits through an outlet of the radiant panel and goes through a transmission tube and into a heat exchanger, which is located on the exterior side of the wall. The fluid then flows through the transmission tube and enters the inlet of the radiant panel.

Abstract: A modular building unit is disclosed. The modular building unit includes at least nine elongated frame members, each forming one edge of a prism, which prism has at least three side faces and two end faces, with each end of each frame member being rigidly attached to an end of two other frame members. At least three parallel frame members include a channel running therethrough, which channel is open at both ends and adapted to receive a tensioning cable therethrough, whereby like modular building units can be held together at adjoining end faces by tensioning cables. Modular building systems for combining modular building units using tensioned cables are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. A first panel consists of a first vertical member and a first horizontal member attached perpendicular to a bottom end of the first vertical member and extends away from the first vertical member towards a second panel. The second panel consists of a second vertical member and a second horizontal member attached perpendicular to a top end of the second vertical member and extends away from the second vertical member towards the first panel. The first and second panel can be stored in an overhead position. The space is reversibly divided when the first panel and the second panel are lowered. The first panel is lowered such that the first panel forms a top portion of a wall. The second panel is lowered until the second horizontal member rests on the first horizontal member, forming a bottom portion of the wall.

Abstract: An overhead storage system is disclosed. The storage system includes an overhead frame that supports a ceiling for a room, at least one storage box, and a roof or floor for a second room above the first. Attached to the frame is at least one raise/lower mechanism which raises and lowers a storage box. The storage box(es) fit within the frame when raised and are accessible when lowered. Each storage box has a bottom wall that includes a ceiling surface for the room and a structure with at least one storage surface. The raise lower mechanism(s) is a winch driven pulley system that winds up and lets out at least one line.