Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by a cooling step.

Abstract: A device and method for protecting a window or other apparatus or location from birds or other pests. The device utilizes lights, motion, and/or sounds to chase away the pests once the pests are detected. For example, birds approaching a window can be detected and the device using light, sound, and/or motion to chase the birds off to avoid a collision with the window.

Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by a cooling step.

Abstract: A portable fire shelter that utilizes an absorbent layer that is impregnated with a fire resistant liquid or gel. The fire shelter is packaged in a way that prevents the liquid or gel from evaporating or hardening. The fire shelter can be transported to the fire zone using robots or drones, and when deployed the fire shelter provides an interior space that maintains a temperature of less than 200° F. in a fire environment that can reach hundreds, or more than a thousand, degrees f for a period sufficient to protect an object or a person until the fire blows by. Also provided is a method of a person in a fire zone calling for the transportation of the portable fire shelter into the fire zone.

Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by a cooling step.

Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by a cooling step.

Abstract: A portable fire shelter that utilizes an absorbent layer that is impregnated with a fire resistant liquid or gel. The fire shelter is packaged in a way that prevents the liquid or gel from evaporating or hardening. The fire shelter can be transported to the fire zone using robots or drones, and when deployed the fire shelter provides an interior space that maintains a temperature of less than 200° F. in a fire environment that can reach hundreds, or more than a thousand, degrees F for a period sufficient to protect an object or a person until the fire blows by.

Abstract: A panelized, versatile structurally glazed curtain wall system developed with a dual purpose as a unique system that will provide ease of installation in a curtain wall, and a fire rated version, that can be pre-fabricated in a factory and transported as a unit to the installation location. Both can be used alone or married together easily for seamless unbroken horizontal and vertical sight lines. Installation is improved and made more productive due to its prefabrication so that it is ready to install with little additional hardware. At least one embodiment utilizes only vertical building structure (and not horizontal building structure) for secure and effective installation, avoiding the need for accessing structure in ceilings and/or floors.

Abstract: A modular unit for constructing a barrier, where the modular unit can fully or partially be manufactured in a factory for transport to the location of the barrier, with the modular units having a base and at least a pair of wall panels installed on the base. The modular units are assembled into the barrier by placing the modular units side-by-side along a line or curve on a mounting surface. The modular units are designed with features to prevent climbing or scaling over the barrier and support electronic and power equipment to protect and monitor the protected location.

Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by fluid quenching.

Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by a cooling step.

Abstract: A framing device for a floor structure utilizing a glass floor unit having a durable glass portion and a fire-rated glass portion. A support is positioned to exert a force on the glass floor unit. A shield protects the surfaces of the glass floor unit and forms a pocket for the support.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a mobile robot inside a vertical cylindrical Aboveground Storage Tank filled with a liquid is described. No additional hardware is needed other than the robot itself. The only piece of information needed is the tank's diameter which is known by construction. The robot carries proprioceptive sensors needed to propagate its position estimate as well as exteroceptive sensors needed to control the dead reckoning positional drift. Proprioceptive and exteroceptive data are merged using data fusion algorithms adapted to the sensor suite integrated in the vehicle, which can take different forms.

Abstract: An article of fire rated glass and method of producing the same prepared by selecting a sheet of clear float annealed glass of at least 19 millimeters in thickness and providing the edge of the sheet substantially free of imperfections. The glass sheet is then specially tempered at a temperature of at least 575 degrees Celsius for a period of at least 750 seconds, followed by fluid quenching.

Abstract: A fire rated door utilizing a pair of frame members each having cases forming opposing open chambers. The open chambers are filled with fire resistant material and include structural plates that do not contact the cases. Holders attach to the cases support a fire resistant glazing unit. The fire rated door may be clad around the pair of frame members.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting and positioning a glass floor unit relative to a base utilizing a support positioned to contact the glass floor unit. An adjuster interacts with a receiver fixed to the base. The adjuster includes a contact element which moves the support and exerts a force against the glass floor unit in an upward direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fenestration including a glazing unit utilizing a base support and a pair of retainers that snap-into place on the base to form a recess for support of the glazing unit.

Abstract: Lacing systems can be used for tightening a shoe or other article. Some embodiments include a lace guide that includes a lace channel that is disposed below a portion of the shoe such that the lace channel is hidden from view, and an exposed end piece that is positioned on the exterior of the article such that the end piece is visible during use. The end piece can be generally bell-shaped and can provide a curved sliding surface for a lace to slide on when being tightened or loosened.

Abstract: A mechanism for supporting and positioning a glass floor unit relative to a base utilizing a support positioned to contact the glass floor unit. An adjuster interacts with a receiver fixed to the base. The adjuster includes a contact element which moves the support and exerts a force against the glass floor unit in an upward direction.