Abstract: A modular hybrid building panel system configured to form an envelope for an entire building or a portion thereof can include a plurality of hybrid building panels, a plurality of panel connectors, and a plurality of anchoring components. Each hybrid building panel can include at least a structural insulated panel coupled with a customizable 3D-printed exterior cladding. The plurality of panel connectors can be coupled to the plurality of hybrid building panels and can be configured to couple the plurality of hybrid building panels to each other horizontally, vertically, or both. The plurality of anchoring components can be coupled to the plurality of hybrid building panels and can be configured to couple the plurality of hybrid building panels to one or more separate building components.

Abstract: A 3D-printed integrated building panel system configured to form a portion of an overall building can include 3D-printed building panels, connectors, and one or more load transfer components. Each 3D-printed building panel can be formed by 3D printing technology using a photocurable composite material, and at least a portion of the 3D-printed building panels can be integrally formed. The connectors can be coupled to one or more of the 3D-printed building panels and can couple the 3D-printed building panels to each other and/or to one or more separate building components of the overall building. The load transfer component(s) can be coupled to at least a portion of the 3D-printed building panels and can transfer loads across the 3D-printed building panels. The load transfer component(s) can be configured to form at least a portion of an overall super structure for the overall building.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing a hydrofluorocarbon agent for preventing a large volume of contained flammable fuel from exploding are disclosed. Generally, a method of the present invention comprises detecting a hazardous condition proximate the contained flammable fuel and applying a hydrofluorocarbon agent to an area proximate the fluid within 3–5 seconds of the hazardous condition detection. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensing device (24) for detecting the presence of a hazardous condition proximate a quantity of contained flammable fuel (14), and a discharging unit including a pressurizable vessel (16) containing therein the hydrofluorocarbon agent, and a discharge nozzle (20) located proximate the contained flammable fuel (14) and operably coupled with the vessel (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus employing a hydrofluorocarbon agent for preventing a large volume of contained flammable fuel from exploding are disclosed. Generally, a method of the present invention comprises detecting a hazardous condition proximate the contained flammable fuel and applying a hydrofluorocarbon agent to an area proximate the fluid within 3-5 seconds of the hazardous condition detection. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensing device (24) for detecting the presence of a hazardous condition proximate a quantity of contained flammable fuel (14), and a discharging unit including a pressurizable vessel (16) containing therein the hydrofluorocarbon agent, and a discharge nozzle (20) located proximate the contained flammable fuel (14) and operably coupled with the vessel (16).