Abstract: Described herein are security systems for both preventing intrusion by an unwanted party and detecting or locating where the attempted intrusion has occurred. The security systems in a broad aspect comprise a wall, at least one elongated coupling member attachable to the wall, at least one partitioning member that is at least partially transparent, at least one proximity sensor system associated with at least one of the elongated coupling member or at least one partitioning member; and at least one light associated with the proximity sensor system that is activatable by the proximity sensor system.

Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel.

Abstract: A wall panel of a moveable and demountable frameless wall panel system that is secured between a floor of a room and a ceiling rail secured to a ceiling of the room. The wall panel includes a frameless panel, an upper clamp assembly, a ceiling track configured to be removably inserted into the ceiling ran, a lower clamp assembly, a first height adjustment mechanism secured to the lower clamp assembly, a second height adjustment mechanism, and a bottom floor channel receiving the first height and second height adjustment mechanisms.

Abstract: An environmental barrier composition and method of use for forming a structural barrier system to seal structural openings such as doors and windows is provided. The composition includes a liquid rosin that is silyl-terminated polyether, a filler material, and a curing catalyst. The method includes applying the composition to a prepared through-hole in combination with flashing material at least along a bottom surface of the through-hole and installation of a window or door into the prepared through-hole to form a barrier system in which a continuous film can be easily inspected, is waterproof, meet air barrier requirements of ASTM E2178, has elastomeric properties, allows substrate expansion, contraction, and movement, does not shrink or lose volume as it cures, and cures rapidly with sufficient adhesion to transition flashing to incorporate into a designed drainage plane and allow integration of a continuous air barrier system where the barrier is at least semi-vapor-permeable.

Abstract: A pivoting shelter comprises a support member, such as a support post, and a pivot affixed to the support member. The pivoting shelter has a shelter member attached to the pivot such that the shelter member is capable of rotating relative to the support member about a rotational axis. The pivot is attached to the shelter member so that the rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to a primary plane of the shelter member and at a position along the side of the shelter member other than the center of a side. For example, the rotational axis may be located substantially at a corner of the shelter member.

Abstract: A foldable structure is adjustable between a folded condition for storage and shipping, and an unfolded condition for occupation by one or more users. The foldable structure may be substantially prefabricated at a manufacturing facility, transitioned into its folded condition, and placed into a shipping container for shipping to a destination site. A single foldable structure may be placed in the shipping container, or multiple foldable structures may fit in a standard shipping container. For example, in some embodiments, as many as six foldable structures may fit in a single standard shipping container.

Abstract: A moveable and demountable wall panel system for defining an office space with a plurality of wall panels disposable in a substantially upright manner between a floor and a ceiling each having respectively a series of uppermost and lowermost deviations. The system includes at least one prefabricated frameless panel, the top edge of each panel being provided with a ceiling track configured for being removably insertable into a corresponding ceiling rail. The system also includes a bottom floor channel associated with each corresponding panel and being configured for operatively resting against the floor opposite to the ceiling rail. The system also includes first and second height adjustment assemblies associated with each panel and insertable into a corresponding bottom floor channel.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to improved solar photovoltaic systems, and/or methods of making the same. Certain improved building-integrated photovoltaic systems may include concentrated photovoltaic skylights having a cylindrical lens array. The skylight may include an insulated glass unit, which may improve the solar heat gain coefficient. The photovoltaic skylight and lens arrays may be used in combination with strip solar cells and lateral displacement tracking systems. Such techniques may advantageously help to reduce cost per watt related, in part, to the potentially reduced amount of semiconductor material to be used for such example embodiments. A photovoltaic skylight may permit diffuse daylight to pass through into an interior of a building so as to provide lighting inside the building, while the strip solar cells absorb the direct sunlight and convert it to electricity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photovoltaic roofing systems in which photovoltaic elements are disposed upon roofing elements such as shingles, tiles, shakes or slates. For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a photovoltaic roofing system comprising: a first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements; a bus bar batten system extending across the headlap regions of the first plurality of roofing elements, the bus bar batten system comprising one or more rigid supports and an electrical interconnection system; a first plurality of photovoltaic elements, each disposed on a butt region of one of the first plurality of roofing elements, each operatively engaged with the electrical interconnection system of the bus bar batten system; and a second plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements disposed on the roof deck and covering the bus bar batten system and the headlap regions of the first plurality of horizontally-arranged roofing elements.

Abstract: A modular wall system for a building structure that includes a plurality of pre-fabricated wall sections that are attachable to each other to form the foundation for the building structure. Each wall section forms the entire length of a wall of the foundation. The wall sections include a plurality of steel studs having a track attached thereto at the top and bottom, at least one structural insulated panel attached to the studs, and at least one waterproofing sheet attached to the outer surface of the structural insulated panels to allow the wall sections to be used below-grade.

Abstract: A solar control double glass which is capable of preventing occurrence of dew condensation is provided. The solar control double glass comprises two glass plates (A), (B) superposed through a spacer 24 therebetween, a gap between the two glass plates forming a hollow layer 20, wherein an adhesive resin layer 18 and a heat-ray absorption layer 14 comprising a tungsten compound are provided on a surface on the hollow layer 20 side of the glass plate (A) 11 in this order, and a heat-ray reflection layer 16 is provided on a surface on the hollow layer 20 side of the glass plate (B) 12.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for constructing support structures in buildings or other projects, which can support molds for use when pouring reinforced concrete slabs. The disclosed structures can accommodate more than one molds stacked vertically one over the other, and can remain in place to define walls or other separators in the completed structure. In one embodiment, the disclosed structure is a wall panel including a frame and vertical support members. The wall panel includes features allowing the vertical stacking of multiple wall panels. The wall panel includes a load distribution member in the form of a T-beam with a web portion disposed between the vertical support members.

Abstract: A load-bearing member such as a beam, column, girder or post comprises an elongated body defining a rigid structure for bearing a load. A hollow fastener extends through the body from a first side of the body to a second side of the body. The hollow fastener, which may be a hollow bolt, nail, lag screw or threaded shaft, defines a passageway through the load-bearing member for insertion of a cable, wire, tube or pipe. This obviates the need to drill the beam or column, which can compromise its structural integrity.

Abstract: A removable modular slab for use in the construction industry includes upper, lower, and first and second opposing end surfaces, and a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface. The slab is abuttable with a second removable modular slab, having: (i) a conduit extending from the upper surface to an end surface, and/or (ii) a cavity extending from an end surface into the slab, whereby the conduits mate to form an elongate conduit through the two slabs. By access through apertures in each slab, a first joining structure is removably locatable to join the two slabs. Cavities may terminate within the second slab and only be accessible through the upper surface of the first slab. A modular surface system includes two such slabs and a joining structure to join the two slabs together.

Abstract: A log for a log home has a plurality of pockets formed within the body of the log. The pockets are filled with foam to enhance the thermal rating of the log. A slot is provided between adjacent pockets to provide a thermal break.

Abstract: Described is a building connecting apparatus for receiving structural members including frames and panels. The apparatus includes a main body having a central opening for receiving an extension member attached to a slot plate. Receiving plates can be coupled to the apparatus for receiving the structural members with the extension member capable of guiding and aligning the structural members.

Abstract: A rain-screen siding system for buildings, including clips to support siding boards parallel with a flat surface of a building wall structure but spaced apart from the building wall to allow air to circulate between the building wall structure and the siding boards. The clips include paired, opposed channels and the siding boards have tongues that fit into the channels. Drainage grooves are defined in the clips. Bottom support members may extend horizontally to support the siding boards at the bottom of the rain screen siding. Corner closing members are provided to protect end faces of siding boards at an exterior corner of a building wall.

Abstract: A casing (1; 50) for openings of buildings with enhanced thermal insulation capacity comprising a first tubular section (2; 51) which is fixed to the perimetrical wall delimiting the opening, and a second tubular section bar (3; 52), cooperating with the first section bar (2; 51) in order to hermetically close the opening and capable of supporting one or more front panels (4, 5) of interface between the inner environment and the outer environment of the building. At least one of the first section bar (2; 51) and the second section bar (3; 52) presents a plurality of through openings (6; 53) which create within at least one of the tubular section bars (2, 3; 51, 52) a continuous flow of circulating air which, due to the temperature difference between the inner environment and the outer environment, forms a natural thermal barrier in any astronomical season.

Abstract: A floor board assembly convenient to lay is characterized in that, in one embodiment, it comprises a frame, a filler board and an upper material with the frame and filler board affixed to the underside of the upper material. The frame includes latch tongues that extend outwardly from the lower side edges of the frame, and the tongues have locking projections that fit into recesses arranged just inside the periphery of the underside of the frame. The tongues and intervening spaces (with locking bars behind them) are space along the periphery of the board, such that any side of one board may be joined to any side of a similarly configured board. The upper material may be selected from a variety of materials, including LVT (luxury vinyl tile), carpet, high pressure laminate or other decorative material. The filler board may be selected to accomplish reduced cost, and/or improved acoustics. In other embodiments, a frame and/or upper material may be absent.

Abstract: A decorative concrete product and method of making the same is provided. The concrete surface carries a unique textural and visual decorative pattern that is troweled over the uncured surface. The decorative pattern strategically conceals any imperfections in the concrete surface. A decorative finishing tool is utilized to create a unique and consistent pattern throughout the exposed surface of the concrete. Unique visual patterns may include any aesthetic design including wood grain, or lightly finished honed or cut stone. The decorative finishing tool may be configured so that varying textures and contours may consistently be imprinted throughout the concrete. Advantageously, the cured concrete retains the durability of a concrete surface while carrying a visually and texturally appealing appearance.

Abstract: Grooved tiles, grooved tile assemblies, methods of manufacturing grooved tiles, and methods of forming grooved tile assemblies are disclosed. The tiles of the present invention include grooves or recesses in the top surface that form one or more complete patterns and/or partial patterns, and that may intersect with one or more edges of the tile. The grooves of one tile can advantageously mate with the grooves of other identical or different grooved tiles when the intersection locations of adjacent tiles are aligned. In addition, the grooved tiles can provide the appearance of including numerous smaller individual tiles, thus eliminating the need for separately placing spacers between the tiles or first backing the tiles with mesh, netting, or paper backing prior to or during installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to construction materials and more specifically, to a continuous composite exterior insulation system and cladding used in the construction of building walls and structure, to control heat transfer, rain-water penetration, air and water vapor transmission while providing fire protection to a building enclosure. This invention relates to a thermal upgrade of existing and new buildings. The wall substrate is arranged for receipt of subsequent layers of cladding materials. Thermo-grid of insulated composite strapping is mounted on the surface of the said wall and a layer of continuous insulation e.g. polyurethane foam is applied between the thermo-grid strapping leaving a thin air gap between it and the next layer of the fire protective composite.

Abstract: A ceiling tile with two pairs of outer straight opposing edges for a suspended ceiling having a grid with an opening with two pairs of near-horizontal opposing flanges on which the outer edges of the tile are supported. Two opposing notches on one of the pair of edges receive and rest upon one of the pairs of opposing flanges to vertically hang the ceiling tile.

Abstract: Provided are a flooring material and a rotational body used therewith which are adapted to improve quality reliability in flooring materials by stably providing not only a fastening force in the horizontal direction but also a fastening force in the vertical direction when flooring panels are assembled with each other, thereby facilitating assembly of the flooring panels and strengthening the joining force due to assembly.

Abstract: A structural support system with a means for capturing and channeling elements originating from an exterior surface is disclosed. More specifically, the support system not only creates a dry area under a deck but is also a load bearing component of the deck. The support system is multifunctional in that it alleviates the need for traditional joist-dependent construction methods while simultaneously providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing structure for maintaining a useful, dry area under the deck. Advantageously, embodiments are scalable in that the system comprises a repeatable series of interlocking components operable to be customized to any foreseeable deck footprint or load bearing application.

Abstract: A method for connecting metal segments of a tower includes connecting at least two metal segments of the tower by the use of connecting elements. A paste is provided between the tower segments for filling at least a part of a gap between the segments. The paste is cured, wherein the cured paste absorbs at least a part of a load originated by the connected segments.

Abstract: A system including a column (12), a first connecting element (30) extending from the column (12), a beam (14), and a second connecting element (70). The beam includes a base wall (42) at least partially defining a cavity (40) and a cutout (48) in the base wall (42) that is configured to receive the column (12) and that is configured with respect to the first connecting element (30). The second connecting element (70) is disposed in the cavity (40), and the first and second connecting elements (30, 70) are configured to connect the beam (14) to the column (12).

Abstract: A port anchor system and method for anchoring and cementing adjacent and often separated leaves (layered structures) of masonry. The method and various embodiments have the capability of being used for anchoring, cleaning and flushing of old mortar, and injecting grout into internal masonry voids, thereby tying and re-cementing or cementing the masonry mass back together. Various embodiments of anchor systems are provided for performing the various methods, more particularly, some of the embodiments describe port anchors which are used to clean and flush the old mortar and then grout fill the void between adjacent masonry leaves while other embodiments are used to grout fill the void.

Abstract: A fastener for securing rebar rods that is a generally planar, elongated main body selectively deformed into a closed loop. The fastener can also include a head end integrally formed with the main body having a buckle and an opening. A tail end depends from the main body that has a plurality of substantially flat, spaced-apart, and staggered engaging members, or barbs. The rods are secured by folding the tail end around the rods and inserting the tail end into the opening of the buckle and twisting the tail end so that a barb engages an edge of the buckle.

Abstract: An ecological greening wall and a construction method thereof are provided. The ecological greening wall comprises a plurality of fixed poles (2) arranged at intervals on the ground (1), and a reinforcement (3) with openings is fixedly connected between the fixed poles (2) and arranged along the fixed poles (2) in a vertical direction. Stacked vegetation bags (4) for greening are provided on at least one side of the reinforcement (3), and each includes a breathable and permeable bag body (41) and a vegetation base material (42) filled in the bag body (41). The bag body (41) and the reinforcement (3) are fixedly connected together by a reinforcing wall (6) so as to form a whole body by the reinforcing wall (6), the reinforcement (3) and the vegetation bag (4). The ecological greening wall has a simple and firm structure, and it is easy to be constructed.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel is composed of a structural member in a corrugated form and a cohering, insulating filler material. The structural member has a plurality of front surfaces spaced laterally apart from each other and a plurality of back surfaces spaced laterally apart from each other and spaced apart in depth from the front surfaces. The structural member has a plurality of chord panels which span between corresponding edges of respective pairs of the front surfaces and the back surfaces. Chase channels are formed between adjacent pairs of the cord panels and one of the front surfaces or one of the back surfaces. Each chord panel defines a plurality of apertures. The filler material fills the chase channels, binds to the front surfaces, back surfaces, and chord panels, and extends through the apertures in each of the cord panels to structurally connect the filler material in adjacent chase channels.

Abstract: An aseptic packaging installation in individual containers, comprising a stand on which there is mounted an enclosure (3) that has a floor (4) with an overhead ceiling (6) and that receives at least one rotatable platform (7) in a packaging zone (Z1) subjected to a sterile laminar stream flowing vertically from the ceiling of the packaging zone at a rate that is adapted to establish in the packaging zone a first pressure (P1) that is greater than the surrounding pressure, the installation being characterized in that the enclosure is provided with laminar stream exhaust means for removing the laminar stream from the packaging zone via a buffer zone extending between the packaging zone and the floor.

Abstract: The invention is to accumulate the bottles in a nested formation at a high speed on a moving conveyor and the reduction or elimination of gaps between the nested bottles that are caused by missing bottles. The is done by oscillating the conveyor belt Another objective of the invention is to accumulate a predetermined number of bottles in rows to be bundled by establishing a first barrier to retain the bottles on the conveyor and using second barrier to control the number of rows to be included in the bundle.

Abstract: A method for packaging bags includes providing a plurality of bags arranged in a stack; moving the stack of bags to a tube; rotating the stack of bags to form a rolled set of bags; and moving the rolled set of bags into a packaging container. A system for carrying out the method includes a plate having an open gap sized to support the stack of bags over the open gap; a tube having a longitudinal slot oriented to receive the stack of bags; a finger arrangement to move the stack of bags into the tube and then rotate the stack into a rolled set; and a push member to move the rolled set of bags into a packaging container.

Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a predetermined number of solid medicants from a supply location and depositing them in a packaging container comprised of one or more cavities in a predetermined orientation using a pressure differential across the medicants may include a head assembly including at least one of a substantially sealed enclosure or a hollow chamber having a plurality of apertures providing fluid communication between the at least one of the substantially sealed enclosure or the hollow chamber and the ambient air, the plurality of apertures spatially arranged to correspond with a plurality of cavities of a packaging container, the head assembly including a port having a coupling communicating with the at least one of the substantially sealed enclosure or the hollow chamber. The apparatus may also include a vacuum source in communication with said coupling at least one of directly or via a flexible tube.

Abstract: A multiple-opening container is configured to facilitate the simultaneous opening of two or more material containing compartments, thus allowing for the material contents within the multiple containing compartments to be suitably mixed upon pouring into another container. As a result of the simultaneous opening and pouring ability facilitated by the multiple-opening container, the time for mixing of multiple materials, such as beverages, fluids, powders or other like contents, can be suitably reduced. In addition, the de-carbonization and/or deterioration or other side affects caused from pre-mixing of the contents can be eliminated. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, engagement portion can comprise a snap clip and a ring portion configured for sealed coupling to a material containing compartment. Second compartment can be suitably filled within beverages or other materials, and then positioned within the container portion and sealed or otherwise coupled by the engagement portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cell tray for transporting a plurality of containers in a diagonal loading pattern and a method for handling containers. The cell tray includes a rectangular frame and a loading surface which is defined by the frame and is configured to support container bottoms in a number of bottle positions such that a number of bottle positions is arranged to accommodate a different number of containers on the tray in a loading pattern. The number of bottle positions is at least twice as large as the number of containers in the loading pattern. The bottle positions are also arranged in a matrix-like pattern, whereby a diagonal pattern can be loaded onto the tray without a specific orientation thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for securing a top for a cardboard carton where the carton has a bottom wall and integral sidewalls defining an initially open interior and initially open top flaps with outwardly extending ears, the initially open top flaps being integrally formed with a first pair of opposing sidewalls of the carton. The top flaps are folded to a carton closing position which closes off the initially open interior of the cardboard carton. The ears are also folded to a position in contact with a second set of opposing sidewalls of the carton intermediate the first set of opposing sidewalls. A set of rotatable punches are aligned with the folded ears of the carton and rotated to force a first layer of cardboard from a respective top flap through an associated second layer of an underlying sidewall of the carton. A set of platens are located so as to underlie and reinforce the sidewalls of the carton as the punching operation takes place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are shown for securing a top for a cardboard carton where the carton has a bottom wall and integral sidewalls, an initially open interior and initially open top flaps with outwardly extending ears. The top flaps are folded to a carton closing position which closes off the initially open interior of the cardboard carton. The ears are also folded to a position in contact with the sidewalls of the carton. A set of punches are aligned with the folded ears of the carton and are actuated to force a first layer of cardboard from a respective top flap through an underlying region of the carton sidewall. A set of platens are located so as to underlie and reinforce the sidewalls of the carton as the punching operation takes place.

Abstract: A latch with a handle that is elastically biased in the closed position. The latch is attached to the lid via a handle, and when the handle is disengaged from the lid, the latch can be rotated away from the lid. Upon rotating the latch away from the lid, hooks on the latch will disengage with a receiving portion of a case, thereby allowing the lid to be removed from the case.

Abstract: A tofu packing apparatus for packing plural tofu blocks in individual packs for sales includes a conveyor for conveying the plural tofu blocks cut to a predetermined size and arrayed at predetermined intervals, and a paired grasp plates be driven in the direction to approach each other. The tofu blocks cut to a predetermined size are grasped with the paired grasp plates, moved to predetermined positions above packaging packs conveyed to predetermined positions with the packaging pack conveyance apparatus, and dropped and packed in the packaging packs through release of grasp by the paired grasp plates. The tofu blocks may be dropped and housed in the packaging packs while at least maintaining the tofu blocks in a holding state by the paired grasp plates.

Abstract: A device for inserting plastic bags into empty consumer product's container, such as soda bottles in which to bottle A is secured to the base B of the device, a small chamber C is secured to the top of the bottle. A wadded-up plastic bag is placed into the chamber. A plunger D, on a leveraging arm E is positioned at the other end of the chamber and with the forward motion of the leveraging arm, the plunger is forced through the chamber pushing the plastic bag into the container.

Abstract: A machine for filling a flexible pouch having a fitment assembly, a gripper and a filler. The fitment assembly having a tap and a fitment mounted to the pouch body. The gripper operable to remove the tap from the fitment, retain the tap during filling operations, and mount the tap back onto the fitment after filling operations. The fitment assembly having a tap operable to be mounted on the fitment in a transport position and a fixed position, wherein in the transport position a first predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. In the fixed position, a second predetermined amount of force is required to remove the tap. The second predetermined amount of force is substantially larger than the first predetermined amount of force.

Abstract: A suction unit of a vehicle's air conditioning system has an air flow canal (16), which features a suction opening (18) for fresh air as well as a fan housing (28), which possesses an air inlet (29) and an air outlet (31). The air outlet ending (33) of a water separation chamber (42) is directly limited by an air filter (34), which is positioned upstream from the fan housing (28).

Abstract: A replacement filter deployed within a flow channel with a housing having a first frame member and a second frame member that are detachable with an exposure slot formed within the housing. A filter media storage area is within the housing, having unexposed, folded, pleated filter media stored therein. The unexposed folded, pleated filter media is compactly held within the filter media storage area. A motor is coupled to a power supply and in communication with a controller. The motor moving a movement member that advances an unexposed portion of the stacked pleated filter media into the exposure slot, expanding and exposing the unexposed portion of the media to the flow channel while retaining pleats and creating an exposed portion of the filter media. A containment area is provided where the exposed portion of the pleated filter media is collected folded, restacked and compactly stored and retained.

Abstract: An air filter element (10) with a cylindrical central pipe (11) is provided wherein at one end of the central tube (11) a device (18) for transmission of torque from a tool to the air filter element (10) is provided and at the other end of the central tube (11) a fastening device (14) for detachably mounting the filter element (10) in a cylindrical support body (21) by means of an insertion/rotation movement is provided.

Abstract: A non-V bank filter for an animal confinement application such as for filtering out the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is provided. The filter may be a deep pleat of synthetic filter media with at least a MERV 14 rating and efficiency sufficient to filter out the PRRSV in high air flow applications. The media may be embossed and have spacers to provide for structural support and open filter structure for airflow. The filter can occupy less space and in some embodiments ½ or even less space than a corresponding V-Bank filter with comparable performance.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a rectangular inlet frame having a rectangular inlet opening to receive a primary filter and optional a prefilter. The filter assembly may include a rectangular outlet frame and a housing body that is collapsible to have a flattened shipping state and an erect state. The rectangular inlet frame may also be used as a housing by itself to support and house primary filters and prefilters. A gridwork including one or more grid dividers may be used in the rectangular inlet frame to provide 2 or more openings for receipt of filters.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a honeycomb structure capable of preventing a plugging failure and forming cracks by heat shock which are caused by a cell having a small cross-section.