Abstract: An exhaust fan configured to exhaust air from a building includes a housing, a fan, and a motor for driving the fan. Overlying the fan is one or more dampers that are moveable from a closed position to an open position. Underlying the dampers is at least one pivot arm per damper that is pivotally connected to the fan and which normally assumes a horizontal position spaced from the overlying damper. A mechanical fusible link is connected to the pivot arm and is configured to break in response to a buildup of heat in and around the dampers. Once the fusible link breaks, then the pivot arm is operative to engage and open the overlying damper.

Abstract: A curtain-wall anchor includes a back member having a first arcuate slotted aperture and a second aperture formed therein. The first arcuate slotted aperture receives a first mounting bolt and the second aperture receives a second mounting bolt. A first plurality of vertically-oriented ridges are formed in the back member proximate the first arcuate slotted aperture and the second aperture. A first locking washer is received onto the first mounting bolt. The first locking washer includes a second plurality of vertically-oriented ridges that are complementary to the first plurality of vertically-oriented ridges formed in the back member. The first arcuate slotted aperture facilitates angular adjustment of the back member. Engagement of the second plurality of vertically-oriented ridges with the first plurality of vertically-oriented ridges facilitates securement of the back member in a select angular position.

Abstract: A fire protection device is useful for sealing through-openings in wall or ceiling elements made of wood or a similar material, in particular for sealing line or pipe feedthroughs. The fire protection device has a main body and at least one expansion body which is attached to an end face of the main body and contains an intumescent material. Also useful is a fire protection assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of managing the temperature of a room are described herein. In some embodiments, such a method described herein comprises disposing a fixture in an interior of the room, wherein the fixture comprises or contains a phase change material. Additionally, in some cases, the fixture is a decorative fixture, such as a piece of artwork.

Abstract: A firestopping apparatus including a housing defined by first and second housing members. Each housing member includes a width direction wall panel and a height direction wall panel. The width direction wall panel of the first housing member is configured to connect with the height direction wall panel of the second housing member and the width direction wall panel of the second housing member is configured to connect with the height direction wall panel of the first housing member to define an assembled housing with a through passage. Intumescent material is positioned along an inner surface of each wall panel. A compressible foam is positioned within the intumescent material and substantially closes off the through passage.

Abstract: A crane having at least one jib system, a sensor unit for detecting a deformation of the jib system transversely to a load plane, and to an activatable adjustment unit for influencing the deformation of the jib system transversely to the load plane.

Abstract: An illuminance obtained by light passed through light diffusion type skylight windows is affected by the weather. This is to solve such problems by polarization of lighting devices and control technology in addition to improvements in the quality of skylights themselves, and the advantages of the high natural lighting offered by light diffusion type skylight windows are now being utilized. A set value that is the result of associating a required work surface illuminance for indoors with the work surface illuminance obtained by light passed through light diffusion type skylight windows and the generated power of a photovoltaic power generation panels is set as a reference for a light adjustment signal. In situations such as winter sunsets and rainy weather which are in a range equal to or less than the set value, light adjustment of lighting devices is performed by a signal transmitted from the photovoltaic power generation panels.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a skylight operating system of a modular data center, so as to timely respond to a firefighting requirement of the modular data center to reduce occurrence of firefighting-related accidents. The skylight operating system comprises: an electric skylight; a firefighting environment index monitoring device arranged inside the modular data center; a monitoring and interacting device arranged in a monitoring room outside the modular data center, and connected with the electric skylight and the firefighting environment index monitoring device, the monitoring and interacting device adapted for receiving monitoring information of the firefighting environment index monitoring device, and opening the electric skylight upon determination that a firefighting-related issue occurs inside the modular data center.

Abstract: A device (1) for connecting an electric power source (8) with an electric appliance (9) comprising a first electric coil (4), connecting the electric power source (8) with the device (1) and a second electric coil (5), connecting the electric appliance (9) with the device (1), at least one sensor (6) arranged outside the device (1) for identifying a speed of air, an alarm device connected to the at least one sensor (6) configured such that depending on the speed of air generates a pre-alarm signal and/or a main alarm signal and/or cuts an electric connection between the electric power source (8) and the electric appliance (9), and an electric circuit having an input element (7) configured such that by operating the input element (7) after the end of a preset period of time, the electric connection between the electric power source (8) and the electric appliance (9) is activated, if the at least one sensor (6) does not identify a preset speed of air.

Abstract: A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the angle piece.

Abstract: A curtain-wall anchor includes a back member having a first arcuate slotted aperture and a second aperture formed therein. The first arcuate slotted aperture receives a first mounting bolt and the second aperture receives a second mounting bolt. A first plurality of vertically-oriented ridges are formed in the back member proximate the first arcuate slotted aperture and the second aperture. A first locking washer is received onto the first mounting bolt. The first locking washer includes a second plurality of vertically-oriented ridges that are complementary to the first plurality of vertically-oriented ridges formed in the back member. The first arcuate slotted aperture facilitates angular adjustment of the back member. Engagement of the second plurality of vertically-oriented ridges with the first plurality of vertically-oriented ridges facilitates securement of the back member in a select angular position.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system providing sensor feedback for property condition monitoring, including: a plurality of sensors disposed in a roof structure of a property; the plurality of sensors providing output indicative of ice formation associated with the roof structure; a hub device that receives output from the plurality of sensors, the hub device detecting at least one sensor output indicative of ice formation and providing a notification regarding the ice formation; a computing device of an insurance carrier that receives the notification, the computing device updating a status of the property in an insurance carrier database in response to the notification; and a communication link between the plurality of sensors, the hub device and the computing device of an insurance carrier. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device includes at least one channeled body and at least one moving part. The at least one channeled body includes at least one first opening and at least one second opening. Each of the at least one channeled body gradually enlarges from each of the at least one first opening to each of the at least one second opening. Each of the at least one moving part is movably disposed in each of the at least one channeled body. A size of the moving part is less than a size of the second opening. When an airflow back flows from the second opening to the first opening, the airflow drives the moving part to enable the moving part to block the first opening. A server system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved mobile paint booth system and method for applying paint to a vehicle is herein disclosed. An improved mobile paint booth can comprise a plurality of vertical supports, a base support, a first upper beam, and a second upper beam. The plurality of vertical supports can comprise a corner support at each corner, and a middle support along a first wall. The base support can be substantially in the shape of a “U” that can connect each of the vertical supports. The base of the “U” can be along the bottom of the first wall. The first upper beam that can connect a first set of the corner support and the middle support. The second upper beam that can connect a second set of the corner support.

Abstract: The fire and smoke containment services transit unit includes a casing constructed from a material such as plastic or timber having a thermal conductivity of less than 5 watts per meter per Kelvin. The casing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end. Intermediate the first and second ends is an internal volume encased by the casing. The internal volume and each of the openings and are sized to allow services such as cables, pipes, etc., to be threaded through the services transit unit. An intumescent material is housed within the internal volume. Prior to exposure to the heat of a fire, the intumescent material maintains a slim profile. When exposed to the heat associated with a building fire, the intumescent material swells and seals the internal volume against the passage of fire, smoke or heated gases through the transit unit.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: Provided is a structural state evaluation system for a smart structure using multi-sensing capable of coping with and controlling vibrations in real time by reasonably and efficiently determining positions of sensors included in a constructional structure using an optimal position determining algorithm and defining a baseline structure using a finite element (FE) model improving algorithm to measure and acquire various information on the smart structure through multi-sensing and evaluate and analyze structural safety.

Abstract: A multi-load friction damper includes opposed gusset-side plates defining a slip channel. First and second brace-side plates are received within the slip channel and form first and second frictional engagements respectively. The frictional force of the first and second frictional engagements may be different. A multi-layer friction damper includes a central gusset-side plate and first and second outer gusset-side plates. First and second brace-side plates are received between the central gusset-side plates and the first and second outer gusset-side plates to form first, second, third and fourth frictional engagements. A multi-damper assembly includes a gusset engagement member and brace engagement member. A plurality of friction dampers extend between the gusset engagement member and the brace engagement member.

Abstract: A computer device and method for processing data to detect modifications to insured property. Received is specification data regarding modifications to be made to insured property in connection with an insurance claim. Also received is data from one or more sensor devices associated with the insured property indicative of a status regarding modifications made to the insured property. Analysis is performed on the received specification and data to determine whether one or more predefined conditions for the insurance claim is satisfied regarding the modifications to be made to the insured property.

Abstract: Disclosed are passive reflector radio communications systems, such as for UHF frequencies or greater than UHF frequencies, and related deployment systems and devices that provide underground communications. Embodiments of the system include reflector elements to provide passive radio communications, structural frameworks to support and orient the reflector elements, methods for calculating reflector size, shape, and position corresponding to a desired wavelength, and deployment methods and devices to install the communication system at a desired location. The passive reflectors can be placed in a folded or otherwise compact mode, for transport into underground tunnels. Once at the desired installation location, the system can be installed, with the reflectors positioned appropriately for the radio frequencies used at the location.

Abstract: A computer device and method for processing data to detect modifications to insured property. Received is specification data regarding modifications to be made to insured property in connection with an insurance claim. Also received is data from one or more sensor devices associated with the insured property indicative of a status regarding modifications made to the insured property. Analysis is performed on the received specification and data to determine whether one or more predefined conditions for the insurance claim is satisfied regarding the modifications to be made to the insured property.

Abstract: The fire and smoke containment services transit unit includes a casing constructed from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 5 watts per meter per Kelvin. The casing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at the second end. Intermediate the first and second end is the internal volume that is encased by the casing. The internal volume and each of the openings are sized to allow services such as cables, pipes, etc. to be threaded through the services transit unit. An intumescent material is housed centrally within the internal volume. Prior to exposure to the heat of a fire, the intumescent material maintains a slim profile. However, when the transit unit is exposed to the heat associated with a building fire, it swells and thereby seals the internal volume against the passage of fire, smoke or heated gases through the transit unit.

Abstract: A firestop collar (10) for sealing of openings, especially of line penetrations (12), that pass through walls (11) or ceilings has a frame (16) and a block (20) of optionally intumescent material disposed therein, and is characterized in that an intumescent inlay (22) is disposed between the block (20) and the frame (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower section (103) for a tethered wind turbine tower comprising a plurality of tubes (202) adapted for receiving a cable (205) there-through and fixing said cable at said inner tube end. The tower section may further include an inner stiffening ring (203) and/or an outer stiffening ring (204).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calculating optimal control force of an active mass damper and controlling the active mass damper, which is used for vibration control of a structure, the method comprising: (a) sensing frequency and an acceleration response generated in a structure in real time by a sensor, wherein the frequency and the acceleration response are structural responses; (b) calculating velocity and displacement of the active mass damper by integrating the acceleration response by an integral calculation module; (c) calculating the optimal control force using a weighting function and a zero point calibration signal according to the calculated velocity, the calculated displacement, and the calculated displacement, by a control force calculation module; and (d) controlling driving of an actuator according to the calculated optimal control force.

Abstract: An insulating strip is disclosed. The insulating strip includes a support layer and an insulating material strip secured to the support layer. The insulating material strip includes a first insulating material strip part and a second insulating material strip part where the first insulating material strip part and the second insulating material strip part are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: An example servo control system includes one or more components configured to be actuated for movement, a system controller including one or more processors for receiving feedback of the movement of the one or more components and for using the feedback within a control loop to cause an actuator to reduce error of the movement of the one or more components, and a tuned mass damper (TMD) physically connected to the one or more components. Parameters of the TMD are selected to add phase margin at a crossover frequency of the servo control system, and the TMD includes a mass coupled to the one or more components, a damper connected between the mass and the one or more components, and a spring component connected between the mass and the one or more components.

Abstract: A method for health monitoring of a damper associated with a landing gear is described which includes receiving sensor data from a pressure transducer and an accelerometer and optionally a thermal sensor operably mounted on or near the damper, a computer system, and applying, using the computer system, a diagnostic algorithm to the sensor data to induce and predict the health of the damper.

Abstract: An insulating strip is disclosed. The insulating strip includes a support layer and an insulating material strip secured to the support layer. The insulating material strip is divided into a first portion and a second portion and the first portion and the second portion are comprised of a same material.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of satisfaction of vital human needs. A transformable platform, which is intended for creation of installations arranged both horizontally and vertically or slantwise, represents the unidirectionally oriented rod-shaped elements with a flat end face each, located close to each other in the form of cells, which form the flat horizontal platform in the initial position due to the flat end faces located at the same level. Each rod-shaped element is equipped with an individual drive to move linearly and lift the flat end face above the level of the surface of the transformable platform or lower the flat end face below this level.

Abstract: The precast reinforced concrete construction elements with pre-stressing connectors provide beam-column connections which are post-tensioned through a combination of active and passive pre-stressing tendons. The active pre-stressing tendons improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the beam-column connections under service loads, as well as during application of external forces and stresses, such as during earthquakes. The passive pre-stressing tendons are lightly pre-stressed and only become effective during progressive collapse of the building. Specifically, the passive pre-stressing tendons become stressed only during downward movement of a joint due to the loss/damage of a column, thus providing resistance against further downward movement of the joint and thereby resisting the progressive collapse.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-embedded/pre-built-in hole creating apparatus for buildings, including: a pipe casing for a pipe or a pipeline system of the building to pass there through; at least one thermal-expandable foam detachably accommodated within the pipe casing; an inspection annulus detachably joined with the pipe casing; and a slide cover installed onto the pipe casing and secured to the building structure. The at least one thermal-expandable foam in the hole creating apparatus embedded in the building structure can be removed via the detachable structure for inspection and replacement so as to maintain the flame-retardant function of the hole creating apparatus. Said apparatus further includes an annular shielding plate providing functions of airtight and smoke blocking for the through pipes as well as includes an identifying device providing information, tracking and service associated with the apparatus in order to guarantee long term safety.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: A pole mounting system can be configured as a center drawn mounting system which allows the user to securely mount and adjust the inner stanchion in various rotational orientations about the vertical axis. The system also allows any electrical wiring or other conduit to be run up inside of the pole. Once the inner stanchion is fastened in place, the outer stanchion fits over top with a first disc on the outer stanchion interlocking with a disc recess on the inner stanchion, thereby preventing the outer stanchion from twisting with respect to the inner stanchion. Once a locking bolt is in place, the parking meter is fastened to the top of the outer stanchion. The present system is tamper resistant because the electrical wiring or conduit and the mounting hardware are not externally accessible once installation is completed.

Abstract: A concrete-filled steel tubular column for high load capacity, usually required in tall buildings, includes an outer longitudinally extending generally vertical tubular shell and an inner longitudinally extending perforated tubular steel shell disposed within said outer longitudinally extending vertical tubular shell and coaxial therewith. Further, a plurality of relatively small diameter vertically extending perforated tubular steel members are disposed around said inner longitudinally extending tubular shell between said outer longitudinally extending tubular steel shell and said inner longitudinally extending steel shell with axes parallel to said coaxial axes. The concrete-filled steel column wherein said inner steel shell is centrally disposed within the outer longitudinally extending vertical tubular steel shell and wherein the volume between the outer steel shell and the inner shell is filled with high strength concrete.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-aided foundation design technique employs variable soil parameters that are dynamically updated based on changes in footing shape, size, and/or embedment depth. The variable soil parameters may include a variable soil bearing capacity. The variable soil bearing capacity may be represented as a series of bearing capacity interaction curves that indicate an allowable bearing capacity for different footing dimensions and embedment depths. As part of the computer-aided foundation design technique, different combinations of footing dimensions and/or embedment depths may be iterated through, and for each iteration, base pressures may be tested against a soil bearing capacity that is specific to that combination of footing dimension and embedment depth.

Abstract: A robot for cleaning submersed marine structures is provided. The robot has a drive system for traversing the robot over the submersed structure. The robot further has an attachment system for attaching the robot to the submersed structure. The robot further has a cleaning arrangement for removing biofouling from the submersed structure as the robot is traversed thereover. The robot further has one or more flexible detector strips which contact the submersed structure as the robot is traversed thereover. The strips have a plurality of electrodes and are formed from electroactive polymer material which produces electrical signals in the electrodes on deflection of the strips. The signals are indicative of the surface roughness of the submersed structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a tower construction (1) from reinforced concrete. A tower has at least one cavity (35) that extends in the longitudinal direction within the tower. Double-wall elements (2) are arranged along a periphery of the tower, each comprising an external plate (3) as well as an internal plate (4) in vertical or inclined position, forming vertical external joints (5) as well as vertical internal joints (6) between the external plates (3) and the internal plates (4). A reinforcement (9) is installed in the area of the vertical external joints (5) in-between the external plates (3) as well as the vertical internal joints (6) in-between the internal plates (4). The vertical external joints (5) and the vertical internal joints (6) in-between the double-wall elements (2) are closed and the double-wall elements (2) are filled with concrete (23).

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for building, maintaining, and/or renovating buildings using reconfigurable, intelligent, and/or communicating components and connectors are provided. These reconfigurable building components and connectors are configured to communicate with each other and with the internal structures and services of a building, using various protocols, for more efficient reconfiguration, management, and maintenance as well as safety. Examples provide a Building Configuration and Management System which provides a set of “smart” components, connectors, and protocols and a Building Control System that connects all internal building structures and services together in ways that allow them to communicate their location, state, and other information to each other and to other entities and to control them, potentially automatically. The BCMS facilitates, among other things, more efficient reconfiguration of these structures and services without demolition.

Abstract: A method for health monitoring of a damper associated with a landing gear is described which includes receiving sensor data from a pressure transducer and an accelerometer and optionally a thermal sensor operably mounted on or near the damper, a computer system, and applying, using the computer system, a diagnostic algorithm to the sensor data to induce and predict the health of the damper.

Abstract: A weather-stripping repair includes a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The top surface area being greater than the distance between the top surface and bottom surface. A cylindrical peg extends from the bottom surface. A weather strip material extends from the top surface.

Abstract: Microcapsules of the present invention have a core and a wall. The wall is made of a polymer, which by weight is from 40 to 90% C1-C24-alkyl ester of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or both (“first monomer”); from 10 to 60% an ethylenically unsaturated crosslinker; and from 0 to 30% an ethylenically monounsaturated monomer different from the first monomer. At least 80% of the crosslinker is has three or more ethylenically unsaturated radicals. The core is made of a paraffin composition, which by weight has from 35 to 98% n-octadecane; from 1 to 10% C20-C24-aliphatic, diisopropylnaphthalene, or both; from 1 to 5% wax with a melting point >40° C.; and from 0 to 50% n-hexadecane. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the microcapsules and to their use in binding construction materials, textiles, and heat transfer liquids.

Abstract: Device for a firestop collar, including an anchoring element and an expansion element The anchoring element serves to anchor the device to a substrate, and the expansion element is intended to interact with the firestop collar. The expansion element is made of intumescent material and is arranged between the anchoring element and the firestop collar in such a way that it is in contact with the firestop collar.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aircraft window, of the type including a holding frame for securing the window to the fuselage of an aircraft and at least one pane mounted in the holding frame by a sealing system, the at least one pane having an inner surface and an outer surface, characterized in that: the pane includes, in a first state called the rest state, at least one concavity in its outer surface when there is no pressure difference between the outer surface and the inner surface of the pane, and the at least one concavity of the pane is at least partially eradicated in a second state in which there is a pressure difference between the outer surface and the inner surface of the pane.

Abstract: A method of protecting an integrity of a wellhead includes the steps of affixing a subsea structure to the wellhead, installing a plurality of piles into the subsea floor adjacent the wellhead, extending lines between the subsea structure and the piles, and tensioning the lines such that each of the lines applies tension to the subsea structure. The plurality of lines are secured to an upper portion of the subsea structure. The tensioning mechanism has a tensioning cylinder having a ratchet rod extending therefrom. The ratchet rod is connected to either the line, the pile or the subsea structure.