Abstract: The thermally activated building panel (1) includes a metal plate (2) having a room-facing surface (3) and a building-facing surface (4). A heat-exchanger tube (5) for conveying a cooling or heating medium is in conductive thermal contact with the building-facing surface (4) of the metal plate (2). A textile (9) is arranged on the room-facing surface (3) of the metal plate (2) and has a first surface (10) generally contacting the metal plate (2) and a second surface (11) generally visible from said room. The textile (9) is tensioned between opposed edges (12) of the metal plate (2). The first surface (10) of the textile (9) is metallized by deposition of metal particles on the textile (9).

Abstract: The thermally activated building panel (1) includes a metal plate (2) having a room-facing surface (3) and a building-facing surface (4). A heat-exchanger tube (5) for conveying a cooling or heating medium is in conductive thermal contact with the building-facing surface (4) of the metal plate (2). A textile (9) is arranged on the room-facing surface (3) of the metal plate (2) and has a first surface (10) generally contacting the metal plate (2) and a second surface (11) generally visible from said room. The textile (9) is tensioned between opposed edges (12) of the metal plate (2). The first surface (10) of the textile (9) is metallized by deposition of metal particles on the textile (9).

Abstract: A modular ceiling system has uniformly appearing devices supported by a channel or a ceiling in an aesthetically pleasing pattern with a single network and control system. The channel or ceiling has uniform sized and shaped openings into which a plurality of uniformly sized and shaped devices is fitted. The devices share a common communication protocol and power source. Each of the devices is connected to a central control system having the same communication protocol as the devices. A network connects the central control system and all of the devices together allowing communications between the central control system and the devices and among the devices using the common communication protocol.

Abstract: A modular ceiling system has uniformly appearing devices supported by a channel or a ceiling in an aesthetically pleasing pattern with a single network and control system. The channel or ceiling has uniform sized and shaped openings into which a plurality of uniformly sized and shaped devices is fitted. The devices share a common communication protocol and power source. Each of the devices is connected to a central control system having the same communication protocol as the devices. A network connects the central control system and all of the devices together allowing communications between the central control system and the devices and among the devices using the common communication protocol.

Abstract: A seeding device principally for no-tillage seeding conditions comprises a drag arm carrying two disk blades and transmitting the necessary forces thereto to cut through crop residues at the ground surface and to open a furrow for seed placement in the soil. The smaller disk is oriented vertically, whereas the larger disk extends at a compound angle from a lower front contact point between the two disks which thus define a V-shaped opener. The larger disk is angled relative to both the direction of travel and to a vertical axis to cut through residues and the soil and to displace a volume of soil for forming a trench. The smaller disk retains soil on a side of the furrow to allow a tube to deliver seeds therein. The smaller blade can also cut residues at the point of contact between the two disks to avoid trash buildup thereat.

Abstract: A hydraulic downpressure system for use on no-tillage seeders allows for a constant downward force to be applied on seeding tools operating in highly variable soil surface conditions in order to keep a uniform seeding or planting depth. Raising and lowering of the seeding units can also be achieved with this hydraulic system. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is principally used having its rod end connected to one or two seeding units. A hydraulically operated two-way mode selection valve provides system shifting between both modes involved. The first mode is used when transporting the seeder on roads and to operate the seeding tools in the field. Control is then provided by a three-way directional valve mounted to an external hydraulic power supply, such as an agricultural tractor. Raising and lowering of the seeding tools can be achieved when operating in this mode. A second mode is involved when the seeding tools are working into the ground to sow seeds.