Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure include at least one building component detection sensor device configured to be deployed within (or proximate to) a building comprised of a plurality of building components. The at least one building component detection sensor device is configured to detect data relating to at least one building component of the plurality of building components. In addition, a building component property determination system includes a processor configured to execute instructions stored in memory to determine one or more properties of the at least one building component based at least in part on the data detected by the at least one building component detection sensor device.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, a bi-directional valve for a bi-flow filter drier includes a valve body and a movable valve member disposed within the valve body. The movable valve member is movable within the valve body between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable valve member permits fluid flow in a first or forward flow direction through the valve while blocking or inhibiting fluid flow in a second or reverse flow direction through the valve. In the second position, the movable flow member permits fluid flow in the second or reverse flow direction through the valve while blocking or inhibiting fluid flow in the first or forward flow direction through the valve. The direction of fluid flow through the other filter drier components may be essentially the same whether the movable valve member is in the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A foam barrier heat shield is provided having a layer of foam adhesively disposed between opposing first and second metallic outer layers. The foam is expanded in between the outer layers and is adhesively formed to the outer layers without the use of a separate adhesive. In addition to shielding heat, the heat shield is effective as a noise barrier and is internally damped against vibration. In a preferred embodiment, the foam is a substantially rigid polyurethane foam that is sufficiently pliant to be bent to and accommodate a particular shape and contour to which the heat shield will conform in use, and it is reversibly deformable acoustical deflections.

Abstract: A method of producing a constrained layer damping system including a constraining layer, a damping layer, a viscous thermally-activated decoupler (VTAD) layer and a base blank layer. The method includes the steps of blanking a constraining layer, applying a damping layer to the constraining layer to form a constraining/damping construct. A VTAD layer can be applied onto the damping layer to form a layered constraining/damping/VTAD construct in which the VTAD layer has at least one exposed surface. The exposed surface of the VTAD layer on the constraining/damping/VTAD construct is pressed onto a cleansed side of a base blank layer to form a constrained layer damping system.

Abstract: A foam barrier heat shield is provided having a layer of foam adhesively disposed between opposing first and second metallic outer layers. The foam is expanded in between the outer layers and is adhesively formed to the outer layers without the use of a separate adhesive. In addition to shielding heat, the heat shield is effective as a noise barrier and is internally damped against vibration. In a preferred embodiment, the foam is a substantially rigid polyurethane foam that is sufficiently pliant to be bent to and accommodate a particular shape and contour to which the heat shield will conform in use, and it is reversibly deformable acoustical deflections.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold is provided having ceramic inner layer that is highly resistant to cracking from thermal cycling. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic inner layer is slip cast from a slip composition having a major amount of fused silica which has an amorphous structure. The manifold also has a ceramic insulation layer, a strain isolation layer and an outer structural layer in various embodiments. According to one embodiment, the strain isolation layer is provided in the form of an intumescent mat that expands on heating and contracts on cooling up to a certain crossover temperature, above which it loses the ability to contract on cooling. In a preferred embodiment, a catalyst-coated support body is provided in the exhaust manifold. As exhaust gases pass through the manifold, noxious components of the exhaust gases begin to convert to environmentally benign species via the catalyst prior to reaching the catalytic converter. Methods of making an exhaust manifold also are provided.

Abstract: A vibration-damping laminate having a constraining layer secured to a viscoelastic layer. The constraining layer includes a mat of non-thermoplastic fibers. The viscoelastic layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing container for repeatedly dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid when repeatedly inverted is provided with a container housing element, and with a collapsible partition element attached in a gas-and liquid-tight manner to the bottom of the housing element to thus form a variable bladder volume which is continuously vented to the atmosphere and which defines the predetermined volume of liquid to be dispensed.