Abstract: A building envelope or cladding system which permits selective visibility from inside the building while rejecting solar heat and providing an optional insulative envelope. A vertical support mullion is on one side of a building structure. A module is attached to the mullion using a hinge, wherein the module is adapted to flip away from the mullion. A drive means includes a gear system housed within the module and a drive shaft connected through the building structure. One or more cladding elements is connected to and operable by the drive means. As a result, the cladding elements can both rotate and flip away to expose or cover an underlying glass surface. Each module is coupled to the drive means using a coupling assembly which is spring-biased to thereby rotate the cladding elements, thus modifying the effects of the sun and other ambient factors on the state of the building.

Abstract: A building envelope or cladding system which permits selective visibility from inside the building while rejecting solar heat and providing an optional insulative envelope. A vertical support mullion is on one side of a building structure. A module is attached to the mullion using a hinge, wherein the module is adapted to flip away from the mullion. A drive means includes a gear system housed within the module and a drive shaft connected through the building structure. One or more cladding elements is connected to and operable by the drive means. As a result, the cladding elements can both rotate and flip away to expose or cover an underlying glass surface. Each module is coupled to the drive means using a coupling assembly which is spring-biased to thereby rotate the cladding elements, thus modifying the effects of the sun and other ambient factors on the state of the building.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A base member, clip assembly, and panels forming a panel system with a covered seam. The base member is configured at each building structural support. The clip assembly includes a base clip slidably situated within base member between the seam, the base clip further having a vertical web and various flanges. A retainer clip engages the base clip such that retainer clip, base clip, and base member all make contact with both panels. A batten then snaps into and engages upstanding legs of the panels to further secure the panels at the seam, filling a recess. In an alternative embodiment of the clip assembly, the top of the base clip terminates at L-shaped flanges which lock a slotted, U-shaped retainer clip. In a further embodiment, the top of the base clip terminates at a loop, and the retainer “clip” is formed as a flexible seat.

Abstract: A block wall system comprising a framework having a perimeter, an intermediate vertical mullion, and an intermediate horizontal mullion with the blocks retained therein using flexible flanges. The intermediate vertical mullion and the intermediate horizontal mullion define one or more cavities within the framework. A block has a top, a bottom, a front face, a back face, and a pair of narrow faces. One or more detents are defined within each narrow face. Next, a flange is anchored within the intermediate vertical mullion, wherein the flange flexes and thereafter retracts to embed itself into the detent of the block when the block is inserted into the cavity such that the block is retained within the framework, thereby eliminating the need to use a fastener directly into or against the block to secure the block within the framework.

Abstract: A large-area skylight system adapted to be located within a field of roofing sheets. A cross member stiffened at two extremities is secured perpendicularly across a curb. A base frame is configured to rest over the curb. A cap frame is disposed over the base frame. A glazing material is then adapted to be secured between the base frame and the cap frame over the cross member along an entire length of the base frame and the cap frame to form an entire length and width of the skylight as a single panel. To ease installation, a downward leg forms a fulcrum at a contact point between the base frame and the cap frame, and to help exhaust water from the system, a dam is disposed within the base frame uphill from each joint, and a weep hole is defined within the base frame uphill of the dam.

Abstract: A standing seam panel system includes an internal structural mullion. A pair of panels meet at a joint and have standing flanges and detents. The mullion includes a main extrusion and a secondary extrusion, the main extrusion having an innermost portion, and a main hooked portion opposite the innermost portion. A secondary extrusion is attached to the main extrusion and has a leg hooked portion opposite the main hooked portion to form a pair of hooked portions, the hooked portions engaging the detents of the panels. Slotted holes are defined within said main extrusion, and screw fasteners pass through the slotted holes of the main extrusion and into a building substrate, wherein the innermost portion of the main extrusion is attached to a building substrate such that the mullion is adapted to move vertically along the building substrate to accommodate expansion or contraction of the panels.

Abstract: A standing seam panel system includes an internal structural mullion. A pair of panels meet at a joint and have standing flanges and detents. The mullion includes a main extrusion and a secondary extrusion, the main extrusion having an innermost portion, and a main hooked portion opposite the innermost portion. A secondary extrusion is attached to the main extrusion and has a leg hooked portion opposite the main hooked portion to form a pair of hooked portions, the hooked portions engaging the detents of the panels. Slotted holes are defined within said main extrusion, and screw fasteners pass through the slotted holes of the main extrusion and into a building substrate, wherein the innermost portion of the main extrusion is attached to a building substrate such that the mullion is adapted to move vertically along the building substrate to accommodate expansion or contraction of the panels.

Abstract: A large-area skylight system adapted to be located within a field of roofing sheets. A cross member stiffened at two extremities is secured perpendicularly across a curb. A base frame is configured to rest over the curb. A cap frame is disposed over the base frame. A glazing material is then adapted to be secured between the base frame and the cap frame over the cross member along an entire length of the base frame and the cap frame to form an entire length and width of the skylight as a single panel. To ease installation, a downward leg forms a fulcrum at a contact point between the base frame and the cap frame, and to help exhaust water from the system, a dam is disposed within the base frame uphill from each joint, and a weep hole is defined within the base frame uphill of the dam.

Abstract: Provided is an internal structural mullion for a standing seam panel system. A two-piece assembly includes a man extrusion having one hooked portion and a secondary extrusion having an opposing hooked portion. A cavity is defined on the main extrusion, and the secondary extrusion includes a foot wherein upon insertion of the foot into the cavity, the foot forms a fulcrum about which the secondary extrusion can bend away from the main extrusion and be tightened or loosened by the tightening or loosing of a screw, as a result forming a clamp for engaging panels of the panel system with variable pressure. Further, when clamped a continuous gasket seal occurs at a level just inside the panels so as to form a barrier against the intrusion of water.

Abstract: A layered panel and framing system for use as a skylight or wall, formed from extrusions which capture and frame variable panels. An upper extrusion has an upper hole defined therein. An upper spacer has an upper spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the upper hole of the upper extrusion. An intermediate extrusion then has an intermediate hole defined therein offset from the upper holes and the upper spacer hole. A lower spacer has a lower spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the intermediate hole. A base extrusion is formed at the top of a rafter. A bottom plastic panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the base extrusion, and a top glass panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the upper extrusion, wherein the bottom panel and the top panel are spaced a distance substantially equal to a height of the intermediate extrusion.

Abstract: A base member, clip assembly, and panels forming a panel system with a covered seam. The base member is configured at each building structural support. The clip assembly includes a base clip slidably situated within base member between the seam, the base clip further having a vertical web and various flanges. A retainer clip engages the base clip such that retainer clip, base clip, and base member all make contact with both panels. A batten then snaps into and engages upstanding legs of the panels to further secure the panels at the seam, filling a recess. In an alternative embodiment of the clip assembly, the top of the base clip terminates at L-shaped flanges which lock a slotted, U-shaped retainer clip. In a further embodiment, the top of the base clip terminates at a loop, and the retainer “clip” is formed as a flexible seat.

Abstract: A clip assembly secures standing seam skylight or roofing panels to substrates and allows for a full range of movements by the panels while eliminating or reducing frictional noises. The clip assembly may also be used with wall panel systems. The clip assembly includes a first clip member and a second clip member each having an upright member and an upper flange member and a lower flange member extending therefrom. The assembly further includes a gap formed between the upright member of the first clip member and the upright member of the second clip member. In one aspect the clip assembly includes a base which allows the assembly to slide.

Abstract: A layered panel and framing system for use as a skylight or wall, formed from extrusions which capture and frame variable panels. An upper extrusion has an upper hole defined therein. An upper spacer has an upper spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the upper hole of the upper extrusion. An intermediate extrusion then has an intermediate hole defined therein offset from the upper holes and the upper spacer hole. A lower spacer has a lower spacer hole defined therein in alignment with the intermediate hole. A base extrusion is formed at the top of a rafter. A bottom plastic panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the base extrusion, and a top glass panel is captured between the intermediate extrusion and the upper extrusion, wherein the bottom panel and the top panel are spaced a distance substantially equal to a height of the intermediate extrusion.

Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.

Abstract: An assembly of glass blocks held in a structural frame comprises a plurality of glass blocks, a rectangular structural perimeter frame, a plurality of primary muntins, each said primary muntin comprising an elongate web, the primary muntins extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, a plurality of extruded secondary muntins, and a plurality of structural rods inserted through the secondary muntins and extending entirely across the structural perimeter frame, such that the primary and secondary muntins form a matrix within the structural perimeter frame with openings for receiving the plurality of glass blocks.

Abstract: Provided is an internal structural mullion for a standing seam panel system. A two-piece assembly includes a man extrusion having one hooked portion and a secondary extrusion having an opposing hooked portion. A cavity is defined on the main extrusion, and the secondary extrusion includes a foot wherein upon insertion of the foot into the cavity, the foot forms a fulcrum about which the secondary extrusion can bend away from the main extrusion and be tightened or loosened by the tightening or loosing of a screw, as a result forming a clamp for engaging panels of the panel system with variable pressure. Further, when clamped a continuous gasket seal occurs at a level just inside the panels so as to form a barrier against the intrusion of water.

Abstract: A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The t vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.