Abstract: An electrically powerable grid element having first and second conductive members of opposing polarity. The grid element includes first and second electrical access slots which expose the conductive members. The grid element includes a tap which has a conductor engaging means which forms an electrical connection with the first and second conductors via the first and second electrical access slots.

Abstract: An electrified ceiling framework system having a plurality of grid elements forming a grid network arranged in a substantially planar arrangement. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid elements. The conductive material is electrically connected to a low voltage power source and has a contact surface connectable to a low voltage device.

Abstract: An electrically powerable grid element having first and second conductive members of opposing polarity. The grid element includes first and second electrical access slots which expose the conductive members. The grid element includes a tap which has a conductor engaging means which forms an electrical connection with the first and second conductors via the first and second electrical access slots.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system for the building interior and a method for operating a power and signal distribution system for the building interior are provided. The system includes a plurality of conductors adjacent to at least one surface of a plurality of support members forming a grid. The system further includes at least one shunt switch in communication with at least two conductors, the shunt switch being configurable to selectively conduct power or signals between the at least two conductors.

Abstract: A ceiling system having a primary grid network which includes a plurality of grid members that are in generally perpendicular relation and form points of intersection. The ceiling system includes one or more joint clips, each of which is attached to the grid network at a point of intersection. Each joint clip partitions the primary grid network into smaller networks, which move independently of one another. At the same time, the appearance of an overall primary grid network is preserved.

Abstract: A ceiling system including a grid framework having a plurality of grid elements arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. A conductive material is embedded in one of the plurality of grid elements. The grid element in which the conductive material is embedded includes at least one slot such that portions of the conductive material are exposed. A tap is attached to the grid element so that it is in alignment with the slot, and, in turn, with the conductive material. The tap includes a housing, a conductor engaging means and a tap conductor. The conductor engaging means forms a connection with the conductive material embedded in the grid element and the tap conductor.

Abstract: Joint clips of the invention are used in grids for suspended ceilings, at selected intersections, to create separate areas of ceiling that move independently of one another during an earthquake, to prevent a buildup of momentum in the entire ceiling. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the clips extend laterally of a selected main beam, and are formed of a pair of loosely connected identical segments that are slidably secured to a selected main beam by a cut-out in the segments. The clip extends laterally across a selected main beam and slidably receives the end of a cross beam in a pocket of the clip that extends laterally on each side of the selected main beam.

Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting low voltage device to an electrified ceiling framework. The connector includes a connector body and a conductive member attached to the connector body. The conductive member includes a contact portion configured to provide electrical contact to a conductive surface of the electrified ceiling framework. The connector is also configurable in a first position and a second position. The first position permits insertion of a portion of the connector into an opening in the electrified ceiling framework. The second position engages the electrified ceiling framework to provide an electrical connection and mechanical support to the connector and devices that may be attached thereto.

Abstract: An electrified ceiling framework system having a plurality of grid elements forming a grid network arranged in a substantially planar arrangement. A conductive material is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of grid elements. The conductive material is electrically connected to a low voltage power source and has a contact surface connectable to a low voltage device.

Abstract: Joint clips of the invention are used in grids for suspended ceilings, at selected intersections, to create separate areas of ceiling that move independently of one another during an earthquake, to prevent a buildup of momentum in the entire ceiling. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the clips extend laterally of a selected main beam, and are formed of a pair of loosely connected identical segments that are slidably secured to a selected main beam by a cut-out in the segments. The clip extends laterally across a selected main beam and slidably receives the end of a cross beam in a pocket of the clip that extends laterally on each side of the selected main beam.

Abstract: A lighting fixture apparatus includes a frame portion, a louver portion and a diffuser lens. The louver portion includes a baffle system for passing unobstructed at least a portion of the light impinging thereon. The diffuser lens includes a surface for diffusing light rays. At least one directional lighting apparatus comprised of LED strips is attached to and supported by the frame portion. The LED strips are disposed between the louver portion and the diffuser portion. The LED assembly includes a rigid strip having a first end and a second end opposite the first end portion, and a first surface and a second surface opposite the second surface. A first rotary support member and a second rotary support member are connected to the strip portion at respective first and second ends. A plurality of electrical lighting elements are mounted on the first surface and are configured in at least one electrical circuit.

Abstract: A power and signal distribution system for the building interior and a method for operating a power and signal distribution system for the building interior are provided. The system includes a plurality of conductors adjacent to at least one surface of a plurality of support members forming a grid. The system further includes at least one shunt switch in communication with at least two conductors, the shunt switch being configurable to selectively conduct power or signals between the at least two conductors.

Abstract: A lighting fixture apparatus includes a frame portion, a louver portion and a diffuser lens. The louver portion includes a baffle system for passing unobstructed at least a portion of the light impinging thereon. The diffuser lens includes a surface for diffusing light rays. At least one directional lighting apparatus comprised of LED strips is attached to and supported by the frame portion. The LED strips are disposed between the louver portion and the diffuser portion. The LED assembly includes a rigid strip having a first end and a second end opposite the first end portion, and a first surface and a second surface opposite the second surface. A first rotary support member and a second rotary support member are connected to the strip portion at respective first and second ends. A plurality of electrical lighting elements are mounted on the first surface and are configured in at least one electrical circuit.

Abstract: A ceiling system including a grid framework having a plurality of grid elements arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. A conductive material is embedded in one of the plurality of grid elements. The grid element in which the conductive material is embedded includes at least one slot such that portions of the conductive material are exposed. A tap is attached to the grid element so that it is in alignment with the slot, and, in turn, with the conductive material. The tap includes a housing, a conductor engaging means and a tap conductor. The conductor engaging means forms a connection with the conductive material embedded in the grid element and the tap conductor.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately sensing room conditions and positioned in the air stream to the return air plenum. The apparatus is a combination of a temperature and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor. The sensor module is built into a ceiling grid system with the body of the sensor module extending into the return air plenum. The ceiling grid has a slot fabricated into its face which allows the air stream from the room to flow by the sensors on its way to the plenum. This enables both the temperature and the composition of the air to be monitored at the optimal location. A portable pollution sensor device that measures and monitors leading indicators of indoor air quality and the extent of pollution is used in conjunction with the ceiling grid mounted sensor modules. The portable device documents and benchmarks air quality both in buildings under construction and in existing buildings. The portable device is network-enabled so as to simultaneously transmit the data to various control devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately sensing room conditions and positioned in the air stream to the return air plenum. The apparatus is a combination of a temperature and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor. The sensor module is built into a ceiling grid system with the body of the sensor module extending into the return air plenum. The ceiling grid has a slot fabricated into its face which allows the air stream from the room to flow by the sensors on its way to the plenum. This enables both the temperature and the composition of the air to be monitored at the optimal location. A portable pollution sensor device that measures and monitors leading indicators of indoor air quality and the extent of pollution is used in conjunction with the ceiling grid mounted sensor modules. The portable device documents and benchmarks air quality both in buildings under construction and in existing buildings. The portable device is network-enabled so as to simultaneously transmit the data to various control devices.

Abstract: A ceiling tile transmitter and receiver system having at least one transmitter/receiver device located in a ceiling panel either during or after the ceiling panel fabrication process. In one embodiment one or more pockets of variable size and shape are created on a surface of the ceiling panel during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process and then a transmitter/receiver device, such as an RF antenna, is inserted in the pocket. In another embodiment, the transmitter/receiver device is embedded in the front side (lower surface) of the ceiling tile and a “scrim” covering is placed over it to secure it in place. The transmitter/receiver device can also be embedded inside the ceiling tile or on an upper, lower or side surface of the ceiling tile. Various combinations of these embodiments can be used with a single ceiling tile.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying panels that embed active and passive components of an electronic device, or that hide certain key components of a building's infrastructure in the plenum of the ceiling. In one aspect, a panel is provided with a phosphorescent or other light-responsive indicia that is representative of an object hidden within the panel or that is part of the building infrastructure hidden by a plurality of panels. A panel having a device embedded within it is identified by first placing a light-responsive indicia on the panel that is representative of the devices stored therein or the building infrastructure lying above it. The panel is then irradiated and the light-responsive indicia observed. In another aspect, a panel having an embedded object is provided with an indicator device that is embedded in the same panel.

Abstract: A ceiling tile antenna for use in wireless local area networks and voice networks. A patch style antenna is manufactured in which the dielectric substrate is the ceiling tile itself, and the radiating element and the ground plane are fixed to the face and back of the tile, respectively. Since the ceiling tile acts as the antenna, the back of the ceiling tile does not have to be routed out to create a cavity for an antenna pod. The sizes of the radiating element and the ground plane are not an issue; therefore no miniaturization of the elements is required. Compared to microstrip antennas, a ceiling tile antenna provides a wider bandwidth and higher gain due to the thicker dielectric substrate used for the ceiling tile construction. Therefore, it is easier to achieve multiple resonances. The ceiling tile used as an antenna can be made from mineral fiber, medium density fiber board, fiberglass, drywall and polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: A ceiling tile antenna for use in wireless local area networks and voice networks. A patch style antenna is manufactured in which the dielectric substrate is the ceiling tile itself, and the radiating element and the ground plane are fixed to the face and back of the tile, respectively. Since the ceiling tile acts as the antenna, the back of the ceiling tile does not have to be routed out to create a cavity for an antenna pod. The sizes of the radiating element and the ground plane are not an issue; therefore no miniaturization of the elements is required. Compared to microstrip antennas, a ceiling tile antenna provides a wider bandwidth and higher gain due to the thicker dielectric substrate used for the ceiling tile construction. Therefore, it is easier to achieve multiple resonances. The ceiling tile used as an antenna can be made from mineral fiber, medium density fiber board, fiberglass, drywall and polyvinyl chloride.