Abstract: A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that is configured to receive a refrigerant from a condenser at a fixed expansion device and a variable expansion device. The system is further configured to output a first portion of the refrigerant to a first downstream HVAC component at a fixed flow rate using the fixed expansion device. The system is further configured to apply a first force to a pin of the variable expansion device based on a sensed temperature. The system is further configured to apply a second force to a valve of the variable expansion device via the force applied to the pin and to output a second portion of the refrigerant to a second downstream HVAC component at a variable flow rate based on the second force using the valve of the variable expansion device.

Abstract: A ballistic material is made from spunlace nonwoven fibers mechanically entangled into a woven ballistic fabric. The spunlace nonwoven may comprise low denier fibers providing for a highly dense ballistic product.

Abstract: A ballistic material is made from spunlace nonwoven fibers mechanically entangled into a woven ballistic fabric. The spunlace nonwoven may comprise low denier fibers providing for a highly dense ballistic product.

Abstract: A ballistic material is made from spunlace nonwoven fibers mechanically entangled into a woven ballistic fabric. The spunlace nonwoven may comprise low denier fibers providing for a highly dense ballistic product.

Abstract: A ballistic material is made from spunlace nonwoven fibers mechanically entangled into a woven ballistic fabric. The spunlace nonwoven may comprise low denier fibers providing for a highly dense ballistic product.

Abstract: The invention involves an athletic training apparatus including a platform and mount configurable into multiple variations of striking elements. The various configurations of the device provide a means of training for different exercises and combat strategies. In an exemplary embodiment, the training apparatus may be configured to train for the ground and pound mixed martial arts strategy. Such configuration includes a platform with a spring component that supports a striking element. The platform is further supported by a base coupled to a bottom surface of the platform, wherein the base includes an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting an angle position of the platform, whereby the striking element may be positioned at a desired angle. In exemplary embodiments, a track receiving member may be implemented with the platform, in order to transform the platform to a standing striking platform, or facilitate the implementation of a hanging striking element.

Abstract: A fluid transport system and related methods is disclosed. The fluid transport system includes an elongated conduit having at least one fluid-transporting pathway. At least one heat tracing structure is bonded to a surface of the elongated conduit. A thermal conductor is removably positioned within the at least one heat tracing structure, wherein a quantity of thermal energy is transferred from the thermal conductor to the at least one fluid-transporting pathway. A bundle jacket is positioned about the exterior of the elongated conduit and the at least one heat tracing structure.

Abstract: A conduit apparatus, system, and method of using a conduit are disclosed. The conduit apparatus includes a plurality of fluid-transporting tubes. A cable channel is positioned substantially parallel to the plurality of fluid-transporting tubes. An elongated, temperature-controlling device is positionable within the cable channel. A bundling jacket is surrounding the plurality of fluid-transporting tubes and the cable channel.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for using a Learning Management System Portal (LMS Portal) to develop learning content, manage learning content, search learning content, distribute and publish, and sell learning content to users of the LMS Portal or third parties that may be associated with the LMS Portal. The LMS Portal may include a learning content management system (LCM System). The LCM System may enable multiple users and/or developers to create, store, aggregate or revise, manage, and publish, distribute, and sell learning content for use within the LMS Portal, and aggregate learning content that is available from other sources through the LMS Portal. The LMS Portal may be further associated with a plurality of LCM system modules, operating within a plurality of LCM systems, at least some of which are operated independently of the LMS Portal, such as LCM system modules that are operated by third party learning content providers.

Abstract: An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a first flange leg to be secured to the duct and a second flange leg with a sealing member preferably of flexibly resilient foam which could be intumescent attached to a surface of the second leg such that when the first flange leg is secured to the duct the second flange leg can be urged against the structural panel extending therearound with the sealing member positioned between the structural panel and the second flange leg and sealing the annulus.

Abstract: An angular flange for reinforcing and firestopping in the annulus between a structural panel such as a wall, ceiling or floor and a duct extending therethrough. The prefabricated angular flange includes a primary angular flange leg to be secured to the duct and a secondary angular flange leg approximately perpendicularly oriented relative thereto. Each flange includes a sealing member of flexible intumescent paper positionable therealong to facilitate firestopping therebetween. The sealing member preferably including two panels at an obtuse angle with respect to one another and being flexible to become approximately perpendicular with respect to one another responsive to securement of the angular flange to the duct and the surrounding structural panel. One or more uniquely designed corner brackets can be included for mounting the adjacently positioned angular flanges with respect to one another selectively.

Abstract: A construction and a method for fireproof sealing between the outer edges of a floor and the exterior wall structure of a building which includes the placement of an insulation support member between the safing insulation positioned immediately around the floor edge, and the spandrel insulation extending between the vertical studs inside of the outer cladding. Safing insulation is normally compressed prior to placement, and this compression is maintained by positioning the insulation support member in abutment therewith. Also, by positioning the insulation support member between the safing insulation and the spandrel insulation, the support member itself is protected which enhances maintenance of the effective seal of the slot between the floor and the outer cladding.

Abstract: A multi-part mounting assembly for securing a plurality of individual pathway conduits relative to one another extending through a wall panel between adjacently positioned wall studs including two support members extending parallel to one another and defining therebetween a pathway conduit zone for receiving the individual conduits along with end members for providing sealing at the outermost edges and one or more partitioning means securable at a plurality of discrete positions within slots defined in the support members and being securable with respect to the support members and including set screws for safely holding pathway conduits in position extending therethrough.

Abstract: A collar positionable about a panel penetrating member for sealing therearound and particularly for firestopping therearound which prevents the flow of smoke and may include an intumescent component for expansion during exposure to heat. A collar assembly is usable with members penetrating various types of panels including walls, ceilings and floors. The sealing member of the assembly includes frangible zones with removable sections which are mated to the construction of the mounting strap. The mounting strap includes engagement prongs and multiple engagement apertures securable with respect to one another in various relative positions for use with respect to panel penetrating members of various standardized sizes. The engagement of the prongs in various apertures is mated with the frangible zones on the sealing member for effective sealing around panel penetrating members of standardized sizes such as 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch and 4½ inch and others.

Abstract: A firestopping apparatus for providing a fire barrier in a construction barrier. The apparatus is comprised of a sleeve within which there are located intumescent pads that are oriented to form a confinement area therebetween to accommodate various penetrating members such as cables, conduits and the like that need to pass through the barrier. Upon sensing the heat from a fire, the intumescent pads seal around the penetrating members to prevent the fire from passing through the barrier. One or both of the intumescent pads is movable toward or away from the other so that the confinement area can be adjusted in size, that is, the confinement area can be increased in size to accommodate a large number of penetrating members of decreased to accommodate a lesser number. One or both of the intumescent pads may be biased in the direction toward decreasing the size of the confinement area.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adjusting firestopping apparatus for holding of intumescent material within poke-through openings in construction barriers usually being floors but also possibly being walls or ceilings wherein cables or other penetrating members extend therethrough. The self-adjusting apparatus includes a sleeve with the intumescent material centrally located therein and preferably two plates extending along the sleeve and movably attached thereto by a flexibly resilient support device such as a coil spring or flat spring. This plate provides a movable false panel which is adapted to expand responsive to the placement of increasing numbers of penetrating members extending therethrough to increase the capacity of the intumescent firestopping device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.

Abstract: An intumescent material and a process for forming of an intumescent material is disclosed including a two stage intumescent expansion characteristic. The composition includes an intumescent material having a primary expansion ingredient such as expanding graphite in combination with a pre-expansion material adapted to provide intumescent expansion at a temperature less than that of the primary expansion material. The pre-expansion material preferably is a liquid isobutane encapsulated within microspheres of any latex material or polyvinylidene. The pre-expansion step allows for a low density mass having fairly uniform dimensions relative to the original proportions of the specimen. A novel process for forming same allows heating to a temperature greater than the pre-expansion temperature within a closed mold to prevent pre-expansion by containment therein and still allow heat fusing of the fire barrier form.

Abstract: An intumescent material and a process for forming of an intumescent material is disclosed including a two stage intumescent expansion characteristic. The composition includes an intumescent material having a primary expansion ingredient such as expanding graphite in combination with a pre-expansion material adapted to provide intumescent expansion at a temperature less than that of the primary expansion material. The pre-expansion material preferably is a liquid isobutane encapsulated within microspheres of any latex material or polyvinylidene. The pre-expansion step allows for a low density mass having fairly uniform dimensions relative to the original proportions of the specimen. A novel process for forming same allows heating to a temperature greater than the pre-expansion temperature within a closed mold to prevent pre-expansion by containment therein and still allow heat fusing of the fire barrier form.