Abstract: Solar-energy utility structure including (a) an elongate solar receptor and energy extractor (receptor) exposed to a time-change-defined reception arc of sunlight which is characterized by a changing angle of light incidence, and (b) light-flow modifying structure operatively interposed the receptor and such an arc, operable, relative to the receptor, to minimize the apparent angle-of-sunlight incidence changes which are experienced by the receptor. In one of its forms, the invention is characterized as modular building structure which includes integrated, modular, layered, extruded-component panels featuring, in plural, elongate, side-by-side channel structures, staged, convergence/divergence performance which is characterized by (a) sunlight convergence produced by the light-flow modifying structure, and (b) downstream sunlight divergence-reflectance, relative to opposite sides of the mentioned receptor, produced by channel-containing reflectors.

Abstract: A modular building system wherein extruded, elongate, plastic building components can quickly, and with no special tools or skills, be snapped and slidably fit together to form a wide variety of different building structures. The proposed system produces frameless buildings wherein surface closure structures, like walls, windows, doors and roof panels are bound into stability through building-wrapping banding structures that include upright, perimeter stabilizer bars, roof trusses, and in most instances, the underlying ground. Within a finished building, the closure structures effectively float and react with relative motion responses to different applied building loads.

Abstract: A modular building system (100) including preformed extrusion-molded polymeric material (116). Parts include integral connector elements (160, 162) which can be slidably and snappingly reversibly interconnected to form the basic frame (102) and panel structures (108) of an overall building. The interconnected region permits limited ranges of angular as well as translational relative motion between adjacent, connected elements. Parts are assembled simply and quickly in the field, without requiring skilled labor or specialized tools, to form a functionally solid and stable building which responds to loads and temperature changes with yieldable, accommodating deformations that minimize the likelihood of building structural damage, and effectively transmit necessary loads to the ground via load-transfer paths through the building.

Abstract: A modular building system and related methodology wherein extruded, elongate, plastic building components can quickly, and with no special tools or skills, be snapped and slidably fit together to form a wide variety of different building structures. The proposed system produces frameless buildings wherein surface closure structures, like walls, windows, doors and roof panels are bound into stability through building-wrapping banding structures that include upright, perimeter stabilizer bars, roof trusses, and in most instances, the underlying ground. Within a finished building, the closure structures effectively float and react with relative motion responses to different applied building loads.