Abstract: Method of handling at least one mat with the use of a crane-mounted grab head includes extending the first tooth of a first jaw of the grab head at least partially through a first hole in the mat and the first tooth of a second jaw of the grab head at least partially through a second hole in the mat. At least one actuator moves the jaws toward one another. The grab head is raised to lift the first mat. The mat is positioned at the desired location and the grab head is disengaged from the mat.

Abstract: An additive mixing and delivery system for a rotary mixer is provided. The additive mixing and delivery system includes an onboard slurry tank, an additive pump, a water pump, a spray unit, and a rotor. The onboard slurry tank receives additive and water. The onboard slurry tank mixes the additive with water to form a slurry. The additive pump delivers the additive to the onboard slurry tank. The water pump delivers the water to the onboard slurry tank. The spray unit delivers the slurry from the onboard slurry tank to a work surface. The rotor includes a number of cutting tools to disintegrate the work surface to form a disintegrated work surface. Further, the slurry is mixed with the disintegrated work surface to form an additive laden work surface.

Abstract: A sound barrier includes a plurality of vertically extending posts, wherein each post has an I-shaped cross section defined by a central web and spaced apart pairs of flanges that define oppositely disposed channels for receiving the end portions of sound wall sections. At least one wall section may be received within each channel. The wall sections may have a thickness that is less than the width of the respective channel, so that a space or gap is created between the wall section and one of the flanges of the post. At least one bracket is positioned in the space and attached to the wall section to retain the wall section within the channel.

Abstract: A portable roadway warning device includes a core having a plurality of weights embedded in a polymeric material, wherein the weights have a greater density than the polymeric material, and a housing having opposite first and second side surfaces, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an upper vehicle interface surface. The housing covers the core. The leading and trailing edges define a distance D therebetween, wherein each of the weights has a maximum lengthwise less than ½ D. A first connector member extends outwardly from the first side surface, and a second connector member extends outwardly from the second side surface. An assembly of roadway warning devices, and methods of installing and manufacturing such devices, are also provided.

Abstract: In a snowplow blade, an upper elongated rolling element is associated with a lower elongated knife having a free sliding lower edge, in use, in contact with a surface to be cleared; the knife comprising a plurality of elongated plate portions independent from one another and juxtaposed in a direction transverse to the advancement direction of the blade; at least a guide and slide assembly of relative mobility being interposed between each elongated plate portion and the rolling element to allow at least a translation of the elongated plate portion towards the rolling element against the action of at least one removal elastic block of the plate portion from the rolling element itself.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an underwater docking system and a docking method using the system. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for docking a target body on a docking station under water, the system comprising: a guide unit provided to the docking station to transmit at least one guide signal to the target body; an agent unit connected to the docking station by a smart cable and disposed at a position spaced apart from the docking station so that the agent unit is moored under the water in a direction corresponding to a tidal current; and the target body configured to be guided toward the agent unit by the guide signal and then connected to a portion of the agent unit.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining and/or reclaiming sand or stone levels of a beach or shoreline for the purpose of mitigating erosion. The beach maintenance system preferably includes a series of support members, flexible webbing stretched between each support member, an anchoring system, and a discharge system. Primary support members preferably form a line generally orthogonal to the shoreline. Preferably, this array of support members spans from a point inland from the high tide line to a point further into the water than, the low tide boundary. In addition to support members running perpendicular to the shoreline, smaller arrays of support, members are preferably aligned generally parallel or tangent to the first array. Preferably, each of this group of arrays span the shoreline such that there is a series of webbing groups running parallel to the shoreline.

Abstract: A containment boom system for remediating an oil spill in a body of water includes a base support structure and a containment boom. An elongated rod has a proximal end and a spaced apart distal end. The proximal end is hingedly attached to the base support structure and extends laterally therefrom. A buoy is coupled to the distal end of the elongated rod. The buoy has sufficient buoyancy so as to remain floating on the liquid body while supporting the elongated rod. A reclamation loop is disposed in the water, a first portion of which is disposed in the oil spill and a second portion is disposed the water on the opposite side of the containment boom from the oil spill. The reclamation loop is continuously driven through a reclamation station, which removes oil therefrom.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed here include a buoyant filtration system and method including a buoyant inflatable segmented rim encircling a pollution source and attached to a submersible wall and floor. Some embodiments include the buoyant inflatable rim segments with an inflation/deflation valve, ballast attachment, a hose and pump to remove liquid.

Abstract: A method of elevating the deck area of a marine platform (e.g., oil and gas well drilling or production platform) utilizes a specially configured sleeve support to support the platform legs so that they can be cut. Once cut, rams or jacks elevate the platform above the cuts. The sleeve support is then connected (e.g., welded) to the platform leg and becomes part of the structural support for the platform. In one embodiment, two sleeves are employed. In another embodiment, the jacks or rams elevate in two stages including a first stage wherein one sleeve elevates and the other sleeve does not elevate and a second stage wherein both sleeves elevate together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for an offshore platform with a weight along at least one support leg (2) with a peripheral length with a specified number of standardized segments (6) connected to one another to form at least one closed locking chain (3), wherein the number of the segments (6) determines the lifting capacity of the lifting device (1) determined by the weight of the offshore platform, and with connecting plates (16, 17) connecting adjacent segments (6) to one another and having a length which is determined by the peripheral length of the at least one support leg (2) and the number of the segments (6), wherein the specified number of segments (6) and the connecting plates (16, 17) determined in their length are connected to one another to form the at least one locking chain (3).

Abstract: A portable and modular foundation that can be utilized to support a monopole includes a central hub and a plurality of legs. A proximal end of each leg is removably attached to the central hub. A plurality of floor panels extends from proximate the hub to a perimeter of the foundation and define a substantially uninterrupted floor. With the plurality of floor panels attached to the legs, the foundation can optionally be buried where the soil or other material is positioned on top of the floor panels to provide the necessary ballast to allow the foundation to retain a monopole with a piece of equipment in an elevated position. Alternatively, if the foundation is to be utilized above ground, a plurality of wall panels can be attached to the floor panels and the legs with braces to retain the wall panels in a substantially vertical position. The plurality of wall panels forms a substantially continuous wall about a perimeter of foundation such that ballast can be placed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wind turbine generator foundation with pressure-dispersive pre-stressed anchor rods or anchor ropes. The foundation comprises a pile cap, a plurality of foundation piles arranged circumferentially at the bottom of the pile cap at uniform spacing, and a wind turbine generator tower connected to an upper part of the pile cap.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant gravity based spread footing under heavy multi-axial cyclical loading of a wind tower. The foundation having a central vertical pedestal, a substantially horizontal continuous bottom support slab, a plurality of radial reinforcing ribs extending radially outward from the pedestal. The pedestal, ribs and slab forming a continuous monolithic structure. The foundation having a three-dimensional network of post-tensioning elements that keep the structural elements under heavy multi-axial post compression with a specific eccentricity intended to reduce stress amplitudes and deflections and allows the foundation to have a desirable combination of high stiffness and superior fatigue resistance. The foundation design reduces the weight and volume of materials used, reduces cost, and improves heat dissipation conditions during construction by having a small ratio of concrete mass to surface area thus eliminating the risk of thermal cracking due to heat of hydration.

Abstract: An inner peripheral portion of a receiving frame includes: a receiving-frame first surface part with a gentle gradient, and a receiving-frame second surface part which is formed below the receiving-frame first surface part and with a steeper gradient than that of the receiving-frame first surface part by reducing its diameter toward a downward direction of the receiving frame, and an outer peripheral portion of a lid body includes: a lid first surface part with a gentle gradient; and a lid second surface part which is formed below the lid first surface part and either vertically toward a downward direction of the lid body, or with a steeper gradient than that of the receiving-frame second surface part by reducing its diameter toward the downward direction of the lid body, in which in a closed-lid state of the lid body, the lid first surface part is supported by the receiving frame first surface part, and the lid second surface part and the receiving-frame second surface part are pressed against each other by

Abstract: A coupler for coupling attachments to a construction machine includes unitary mounting flanges for connecting the coupler body and the machine. The unitary mounting flange eliminates machining and/or shimming of the flanges after welding to the coupler body.

Abstract: A material extraction system for an underground mine includes an elevated haulage conveyor extending between first and second ends of a roadway entry. The haulage conveyor is cantilevered from a mine wall and conveys material toward either end of the roadway entry. The system also includes a crusher including a drive operable to move the crusher along the roadway entry. The system further includes a bridge conveyor including a first end adjacent the crusher and receiving material from the crusher, and a second end adjacent the elevated haulage conveyor and positioned for depositing material onto the elevated haulage conveyor. The bridge conveyor is moveable with the crusher along the roadway entry. The system also includes a loader moveable along the roadway entry and into and out of material collection entries to collect material therefrom and transport the material to the crusher.

Abstract: A cushion hitch having a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a vertical link and an extendable rod coupled to the front of a motor-grader type machine. The cushion hitch allows for both articulation and vertical movement. The cushion hitch helps reduce bounce and pitch in the motor-grader type machine—having a front frame and a rear frame—by controlling the supply of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a double-structure bush usable in a joint portion which operates in low speed and high load, and to a bearing assembly comprising same.

Abstract: A method of orientating a materials handling vehicle to a desired angle includes providing a first and second stabilizers on the right and left sides, respectively, of a chassis and being selectively engageable with the ground, providing a controller to control operation of the first and second stabilizers in response to an input, positioning the vehicle on ground with the first and second stabilizers being disengaged from the ground such that the chassis is at an initial roll angle, providing a desired roll angle, providing an input to the controller requiring deployment of the stabilizers to simultaneously deploy the first and second stabilizers, and upon detection of a change in roll angle away from the desired roll angle caused by engagement of one of the stabilizers with the ground, the controller automatically stops deployment of one stabilizers and continues deployment of the other stabilizer.

Abstract: Provided is a construction machine having a plurality of equipment units and a structural body supporting the equipment units, restricting height of each of the equipment units supported by the structural body with no considerable decrease in the strength of the structural body and no considerable restriction on the height dimension of the equipment units. The construction machine includes a structural body having a plurality of beam members, a first equipment unit placed on the structural body, and a second equipment unit which is other than the first equipment unit and placed on the structural body. The plurality of beam members includes a first beam member having a first placement surface on which the first equipment unit is placed and a second beam member having a second placement surface on which the second equipment unit is placed, the second placement surface being lower than the first placement surface.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with an engine, and engine compartment, a cooling chamber, a radiator, a cooling fan, a dividing wall, and a cover. The cooling fan is arranged inside the cooling chamber and discharges air toward a direction that is isolated from the engine compartment. The dividing wall separates the engine compartment and the cooling chamber. The dividing wall includes a passage opening that links the engine compartment and the cooling chamber. The cover includes a main cover section, and a connecting section. The main cover section is arranged inside the cooling chamber next to the dividing wall with a gap therebetween. The main cover section is arranged to face the passage opening. The connecting section includes an open region. The connecting section connects the main cover section and the dividing wall.

Abstract: A system and method for providing guidance to a user of a construction machine include computing kinematic behavior of a construction machine based on data received from the construction machine while performing a task. The kinematic behavior is compared with a model for operating the construction machine for performing the task. Feedback data is sent to the construction machine based on the comparing to provide guidance to the user of the construction machine for performing the task.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automating a task of a construction machine include receiving machine data from a first construction machine and a second construction machine. A load balance of the first construction machine is determined based on the received machine data. A location on the first construction machine to release a load is determined based on the load balance. A message is sent to the second construction machine to control movement for releasing a load of the second construction machine at the determined location on the first construction machine.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus based on a confluence control mode includes a load sensing unit provided with first and second reversing valves, and a throttle governing unit provided with a fourth reversing valve. A confluence valve and a one-way valve, which communicate with the load sensing unit and the throttle governing unit, are arranged on a parallel oil path arranged in parallel with the fourth reversing valve. The confluence valve includes a confluence channel that controls opening and closing of the parallel oil path to shunt fluid of the throttle governing unit to the load sensing unit. A first pilot pressure acting on the first reversing valve and a second pilot pressure acting on the second reversing valve act on the confluence valve independently or simultaneously to change a position of the confluence channel, thus implementing reversing of the confluence valve.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present specification relates to an apparatus for controlling a hydraulic pump for an excavator with respect to a change of an operation mode, the apparatus including: an operating unit configured to generate an operation signal according to an operation of an operator, and including a joystick or a pedal; an oil flow supplying unit configured to supply oil to actuators, in order to drive a plurality of actuators corresponding to the operation signal, and including a plurality of pumps and a plurality of logic valves; and a control unit configured to control the oil flow supplying unit by using a priority algorithm for each operation considering a use frequency and a load of the actuator with respect to a change of a predetermined operation mode according to the operation signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing and removing shrouds from the lips of an earth moving bucket. The lips have forwardly converging upper and lower surfaces which are engaged by correspondingly rearwardly diverging legs of the shrouds that overly and are in contact with the lip surfaces. A hole is provided in the lip and an oblong hole in one of the legs that is aligned with the hole and has axially extending, spaced-apart flat walls which define engagement ledges that face and overlap the bore. A connector for securing the shroud to the lip is placed in the bore and the hole and has shaped exterior surfaces for positioning between the walls so that the connector is axially movable along the walls and past the engagement ledges while relative rotations between the connector and the hole in the leg are prevented.

Abstract: Reuse of household bathing water for subsurface irrigation of landscaping requires a diverter fitting to enable safe diversion of water away from the bathing area to the subsurface irrigation system. The water diverter fitting described includes an inlet port and two outlet ports, as well as a directional strainer. Orientation of the strainer determines which outlet the majority of the water flows out of, the remainder of the water trickling out of the other port to be used in trap priming and enhancement of line flow. One outlet can also be used as a plug and play access point for a plurality of water regulation technologies including drain closure for a bathing vessel and heat recovery technologies. The directional strainer also serves as a removable fiber filter, and fits within the drain fitting such that a blockage in the water reuse system will allow automatic backflow to the primary sanitary drain without intervention by the bather and without pooling of diverted water.

Abstract: A water leak detection and prevention system uses sensors, wires, and wireless transmitters, to monitor all plumbing fixtures (faucets, toilets, hose bibs, etc.) and water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, icemakers, etc.). When water is being used at a plumbing fixture or a water-using appliance, the sensor shows water that is expected to be used at that location and communicates the usage and the amount of flow for that location. Excessive usage or flow, or any flow when a location has not called for water, is indicative of a leak. Water to the building is on all the time—water pressure remains in the plumbing—creating no delay in water delivery. Water pressure and water flow are monitored at all times whether water is off or on. Should a leak occur the water flow sensor will show that water is flowing and that no approved location has called for water. The main valve will immediately be turned off and water in the plumbing system will be purged safely outside the building.

Abstract: Examples of automatic valve shutoff systems are described which may include an actuation device including an actuator and a valve attachment portion. The valve attachment portion may be configured for attachment with an existing valve the in a fluid or compressible gas supply line. The system may further include a controller coupled to the actuation device, wherein the controller is configured to initiate a valve shutoff process in response to a wireless signal. Wake-up circuitry may be coupled to the controller and configured to monitor the supply line for vibrations and activate the controller in response to the vibrations.

Abstract: A hydrant main valve includes a main seal elastically deformable between a first state and a second state, such that a main valve assembly may be inserted into a main valve elbow without removable valve seats. A main valve assembly rotation lock engages a rotation block inside the elbow preventing rotation of the main valve assembly. A rotating operating stem extension moves a main valve bottom plate relative to a drain valve body, causing main valve seal elastic deformation.

Abstract: A drain valve slide and drain valve facing seal an elbow drain hole in a dry barrel fire hydrant when the main valve is closed. A first wedge on the main valve assembly engages the elbow when the main valve is opened and biases the drain valve slide and drain valve facing toward the elbow drain hole, creating a positive seal.

Abstract: A faucet valve core includes an outer shell, a bottom cover connected with a bottom of the outer shell, a valve stem rotatable and partially mounted in the outer shell. The inner end of the valve stem is connected with a top side of the movable valve plate, a bottom side of the move valve plate is connected with a fixed valve plate. A pair of water channels is conic and is formed through the fixed valve plate and each water channel has a top opening and a bottom opening that is larger than the top opening. Given the faucet valve core, water flow rate can be increased while the size of the entire faucet valve core can be reduced.

Abstract: A faucet diverter is revealed. The faucet diverter includes at least one outlet and a control part for switching direction of water flow discharged. The faucet diverter is connected to a faucet.

Abstract: A touch free automatic faucet is provided. The faucet includes a faucet housing including many sensors for controlling water flow and water temperature. A processor is connected to the sensors. A first control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A second control valve assembly is connected to the processor. A power source is connected to the processor, the first control valve assembly and the second control valve assembly. Water flow and water temperature are controlled by the sensors without touching of the faucet housing.

Abstract: A vanity unit with hand dryer includes a casement having a top, a front and a back. A basin having a rim is carried by the casement with the rim adjacent the top. A space is defined below the casement top and the basin, and an aperture is formed proximate the rim of the basin toward the front of the casement in communication with the space below the top and the basin. A faucet is carried by the casement intermediate the basin and the back, and a hand drying assembly supplies air through the aperture from the space.

Abstract: A control method of a food waste treatment apparatus is disclosed. The method includes the action of connecting a discharge side of a grinder with a communication hole of a dehydrator. The method further includes the action of receiving the food waste. The method further includes the action of grinding the food waste. The method further includes the action of receiving the ground food waste. The method further includes the action of supplying a predetermined amount of wash water to a housing that includes the dehydrator. The method further includes the action of rinsing the ground food waste. The method further includes the action of discharging wash water. The method further includes the action of drying the ground food waste. The method further includes the action of discharging the dried ground food waste.

Abstract: A method of flushing a toilet that includes opening a first valve to introduce a first supply of grey water into a passage to prime a siphon; opening a second valve to introduce a second supply of water into a bowl from a tank, the bowl having an outlet that is in fluid communication with an inlet of the passage; closing the first valve to shut off the first supply of water; evacuating the contents of the bowl through an outlet of the passage by way of the siphon generated by the introduction of the first supply of water and the introduction of the second supply of water; and closing the second valve to shut off the second supply of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a dual flush handle system. A first handle lever is configured to rotate in a direction by a first predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a first flush of a toilet. A second handle lever is configured to rotate in the direction about a second predetermined angle of rotation to initiate a second flush of a toilet.

Abstract: An air treatment device is disclosed. The air treatment device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first air passage part of which one side is connected with at least one contamination space; a first air suction part for enabling the contaminated air within the contamination space to flow into the first air passage part; and a first air treatment part including: a partition formed inside a toilet water tank; at least one of through-holes, which is formed in the partition, connected with the other side of the first air passage part, and connected with a space inside the partition; and an air discharging part for discharging the contaminated air into the inside of the partition.

Abstract: A trapping device for trapping non-dispersing cloths in a toilet bowl is disclosed. The trapping device comprises a strap and a plurality of hooks. The trapping device may be installed in a trapway of the toilet bowl. The strap has a first end, a second end, and a middle portion, wherein the first end includes a first tab extending perpendicular to the strap and the second end includes a second tab extending perpendicular to the strap, and the middle portion is rounded. The plurality of hooks extend from an inner wall of the strap. The strap is made of a strap material that is resilient to bend and springs back to its previous shape, such as a stainless steel or a high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A toilet seal for sealing between a plumbing fixture discharge and a waste drainpipe outlet is described. The toilet seal comprises a flange member having an inwardly extending flexible lip and one or more raised ridges defining an annular seal extending upwardly from an upper surface of the flange member. The toilet seal further includes a radiused wall extending downwardly from the flange member, which cooperates with the flange member to define a cavity for receiving a compressible member. The toilet seal further comprises a flexible sleeve extending downwardly from the radiused wall. Related methods are described.

Abstract: A device for use with toilets introduces urinal functionality to traditional seated toilets. By providing a urinal attachment the need to raise and lower a toilet seat is eliminated, along with many of the corresponding issues that result from different gender preferences for toilet seat positioning. A mount connect a funneling body and a plumbing assembly to the toilet, with the funneling body receiving and channeling urine through the plumbing assembly and into the bowl of the toilet. The funneling body can be rotated and tilted with respect to the plumbing assembly, while the plumbing assembly can be rotated with respect to the mount. The ability to reposition the funneling body results in improved ergonomics as users can adjust the funneling body to better suit their preference. The funneling body can also be retracted to a storage position, allowing the toilet to be used normally in a sitting position.

Abstract: An underdrain assembly for filtering particulates from a fluid having an upper structure connected to a bottom plate. At least one flow control vane is positioned between the upper structure and the bottom plate for directing and managing fluid flow through the assembly. The upper structure can have first and second filtration members, the second filtration member positioned between the first filtration member and the bottom plate. The second filtration member can have a shape that restricts fluid flow within the underdrain. The underdrain can have air and water inlets. The water inlet can have an end with a plate covering an upper portion thereof. The end can also include an opening having an angular cut forming an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the water inlet. Thus arranged, air is prevented from migrating out the water line. A resilient mounting arrangement for the underdrain is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intake nozzle fits onto the suction hose of a vacuum pumper truck. The nozzle comprises a tubular housing and the rotor within the housing near the intake end. The rotor includes a hollow cylindrical canister and spiral vanes on its exterior. Ambient air enters an air tube, penetrates the side of the housing and supplies ambient air to the interior of the canister. The air exits through outlet ports into the liquid waste as it moves past under vacuum. The injected air reduces the density of the liquid waste, speeding up the pumping process and reducing the incidence of blockages.

Abstract: Set of profile sections for the construction of walls, panels and angle sections in thermoplastic, which is a set of components in the form of a profile section, extruded from PVC-type semi-rigid or similar material, and each component has a male and a female recess along the generatrix of the profile section, and these are joined to form assemblies that constitute articles for industrial use, such as walls, cladding for existing walls, roofing, panels, doors, windows, enclosures, balconies, partitions, bus stops, telephone kiosks, bath panels, screens, etc.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a mount to couple to a wall of a loading dock and a seal coupled to the mount. The seal includes an outer flexible sheet having a first end and a second end. The seal includes an inner flexible sheet having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the inner flexible sheet couples to the first end of the outer flexible sheet and the fourth end of the inner flexible sheet couples to the second end of the outer flexible sheet. The inner flexible sheet provides an edge seal and a surface seal. The edge seal engages a rearward facing edge of a vehicle and the surface seal engages surface panel of the vehicle when the vehicle is in engagement with the seal. A guide movably couples the outer flexible sheet and the inner flexible sheet. The guide is positioned between the respective ends of the inner and outer flexible sheets.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus includes a curtain having a plurality of compressible tubes positioned between a first end of the curtain and a second end of the curtain. The compressible tubes move between a collapsed position when the curtain is in a relaxed condition and an expanded position when the curtain is a taut condition.

Abstract: A building panel may be installed below a slab in the construction of buildings. The building panel supports the slab and also provides a ventilation layer that may be depressurized to eliminate or reduce infiltration of radon gas into the building. The ventilation layer may comprise channels which provide a two-dimensionally interconnected void. Ventilation panels which include collars for connecting to ventilation systems may be provided. The panels may be installed directly on compacted soil. The building panels may additionally provide sub-slab insulation and/or a capillary break for water drainage. In some embodiments the building panels are formed substantially entirely of thermal insulating material such as rigid polystyrene foam. In an example embodiment the panels are approximately 4 inches thick and have a grid of intersecting channels formed on an underside of the panels.