Abstract: The method includes dispersing copper or other material ions through the water receiving area of a gutter guard for the prevention of moss or mold growth. The method includes the utilization of thread(s) sewn into or embroidered onto or otherwised affixed to or immediately preceding the water receiving areas of a gutter guard, such thread(s) being comprised of moss killing materials. The thread(s) comprise only a portion of the water receiving area, so if corrosive elements form and wash over the water receiving area, they will be in sufficient amounts to kill moss but not in so great an amount as to clog any water receiving apertures. The method includes the utilization of staples or other objects comprised of copper or other moss killing materials fastened to or adhered or welded to the body or water receiving areas of a gutter guard or areas immediately preceding such.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a remote pet litter box enclosure has a cabinet, box or other enclosure containing a pet litter box or other pet waste disposal device, which can be accessed by a pet through a tunnel or hole, the entry and exit point of which originates in another room within a home or dwelling.

Abstract: Surface coverings comprising individual covering elements, such as for decking are known. However, known constructions have problems including separation of the joints between planks as the material of the covering elements contracts over time. Existing products make use of harmful solvent based adhesives for securing the elements together, the application of which is also labour intensive. A surface covering comprising two or more covering elements, each covering element having a first part comprising a female member; a second part comprising a male member for engagement with a female member, the first part having a top surface and a basal surface, the basal surface extending beyond the top surface to provide an open recess for reception of the male member, the second part having a top surface and a basal surface and a male member protruding therebetween, the female member and the male member providing an interference fit upon engagement.

Abstract: A device for collecting wind energy for buildings defining at least one facade that protrudes from the ground, this device including at least one wind-driven rotor mounted in rotation in a channel exposed to the wind and through which can pass a flow of air which impacts the blades of the rotor, and also at least one generatrix which can be drive-connected to the rotor. The device is characterized in that the channel is configured to form a Venturi-effect structure for capturing, guiding and accelerating the wind, extends through the building from side to side and is at least partially integrated in a section or an intermediate floor of the building or its roof, such that the façade in question constitutes an obstacle to the passage of the wind around the inlet opening in the through-channel, the rotor being installed in the segment of the channel having the smallest passage-section.

Abstract: Tower foundations and structures, kits and methods for making the tower foundations. Aspects of the present invention operate to decouple the required mass for the foundation from the structural components needed to resist compression and tension forces. Aspects of the present invention include a foundation structure made of structural components including pre-cast concrete, cast-in place concrete, reinforced concrete, pre-stressed concrete, pre-tensioned concrete and post-tensioned concrete, for resisting the expected forces transferred from the tower.

Abstract: Systems and methods for containing a hazardous fluid are described, in which first and second precast concrete segments are coupled together to form wall elements having a plurality of void spaces. A precast concrete floor segment can be coupled to the wall elements to form a cavity, and a metal liner can be disposed within the cavity to form a container capable of storing a hazardous fluid. An external barrier configured to be impervious to the hazardous fluid can be coupled to an exterior portion of at least one of the first and second segments.

Abstract: A prefabricated building includes a sheet folded to form a structural member defining an interior space. The structural member defines an upper guide hole that extends from the interior space of the structural member to the exterior of the structural member, and a lower guide hole that extends from the interior space of the structural member to the exterior of the structural member. The prefabricated building also includes a guide member that is fixed relative to a foundation. The structural member is aligned so that the guide member passes through the upper guide hole and the lower guide hole.

Abstract: Shade shelters for reducing air conditioning loads of an associated shelter are provided. The shade shelters aim to reduce the thermal radiation effects of the sun on associated shelters, such as temporarily erected shelters. The shade shelters can be configurable so that natural convection is advantageously utilized for aiding in reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the associated shelter. The natural convection can be in the form of the “chimney effect” for reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the shelter.

Abstract: A temporary radiotherapy facility for use during renovation, upgrading, and/or modernization of an existing facility. The radiotherapy facility is integrated with radiation producing equipment and radiation shielding vaults. The structural elements and their arrangement enable compliance with applicable codes for this type of facility and provide an ability to maintain radiotherapy treatment continuity during equipment transition.

Abstract: A modular paneling system for modular wall assemblies includes a plurality of panels, each including panel mounting brackets attached to the top, bottom, first side and second side frame members of the panel; a plurality of elongated posts; a plurality of end pieces, each configured for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of mounting brackets; and a plurality of caps, each configured for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of one or more of the plurality of mounting brackets. The modular wall is assembled by individually attaching the first and the second side frame members to respective elongated poles, and securing a top cap to each elongated post.

Abstract: A fire or smoke protection device for an opening (12) in building section (14), in particular a gateway, with a flexible, flat fire protection element (16) which can be put into a storage arrangement, in which the fire protection element (16) is folded along creases (18), and a sealing arrangement, in which the fire protection element (16) is unfolded and seals the opening (12), the fire protection element (16) comprising at least one indentation (32) on one side, by means of which the building section (14) can be at least partially surrounded for guiding the fire protection element (16).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.

Abstract: A boiler for a solar receiver includes a panel support structure. A boiler stay is operatively connected to the panel support structure. A panel stay is slideably engaged to the boiler stay. A boiler panel is operatively connected to the panel stay with the panel stay being affixed to a plurality of tubes of the panel. The boiler stay and panel support assemblies are configured and adapted to slide with respect to one another to accommodate thermal expansion of the boiler panel. In certain embodiments, a pin connects the boiler stay and the panel stay, wherein the pin is removable for installation and removal of the panel from the support structure.

Abstract: Kits and methods for installing, repairing and/or replacing a decorative covering on a non-decorative substrate. The kit may include an engagement layer, a decorative covering and/or a substrate.

Abstract: This loading bay comprises a compact structure carrying at least one fold-away ramp and a shelter for closing off the space between the shed and the truck box body at the side and at the top during loading or unloading operations. Said compact structure adjoins the wall (P) of the shed on the outside and is set up with the possibility of being removed longitudinally on guide means for positioning the movable assembly in a position opposite any one of the openings (H) providing access to the shed. The loading bay comprises, additionally, motorized actuating means, at least one bar of sensors for detecting the position of the truck while said truck is being moved closer into position, a light-signalling device and a light and/or acoustic signal warning of the approach of a truck.

Abstract: A roof mounting system can include a roof substrate and flashing supportable on the substrate and including an outwardly extending projection having a concave interior side and an aperture extending through the projection between top and bottom surfaces of the flashing. A seal can extend through the aperture and contact at least a portion of the top surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface. The seal can be conformable with the concave interior side and can define a seal aperture substantially aligned with the flashing aperture. A mounting bracket can be supportable on the flashing and can define an aperture sized to receive at least a portion of each of the seal and the projection. A fastener can extend through the mounting bracket aperture, seal aperture, and flashing aperture to inhibit fluid flow through the flashing aperture.

Abstract: Roof ridge vent system adapted for housing a plurality of fans in a central airflow channel positioned directly over the opening in a ridge portion of a roof for ventilating a plurality of vent chutes or attic space comprising: a hood member engaged with outer edge portions of vent members having air-passageway holes defined therein and inner edge portions preferably being hinged respectively to inner edge portions of base members so as to be adapted for installation on variously-pitched roofs, each base member also having outer edge portions defining a wall adapted for blocking wind from being blown into the vent and for causing airflow over the top of the vent to encourage airflow through the vent system. Vent member sections may be installed end-to-end to define an elongated airflow channel adapted for ventilating with or without assistance from the fans.

Abstract: A customizable personal space unit having a personal area having at least one customizable feature; a communications subsystem configured to receive configuration information for the at least one customizable feature; and a processor communicating with said communications subsystem, the process configuring the at least one customizable feature of the personal chamber based on the received configuration information.

Abstract: A decorative frame body includes at least four decorative boards and several fixing seats. Each decorative board has a sunshade section and an engagement channel formed on the bottom face of the decorative board. Each fixing seat has a fixing base and latch sections extending from the fixing base in adaptation to the engagement channel. The fixing seats are fixed on the wall face beside the window frame. The latch sections of the fixing seats are latched in the engagement channel to connect the decorative boards with the fixing seats as a decorative periphery of the window. The sunshade sections of the decorative boards serve to block the gaps between the blind slats and the window frame and prevent the sunlight from going into the room from the gap.

Abstract: A heating system for use with roofing shingles, the heating system including a flexible grounding layer having a transverse dimension that is no greater than substantially equal to a transverse dimension of the roofing shingles, a flexible heater laminated to the flexible grounding layer, wherein the flexible heater includes a substrate, a conductive resistive ink pattern disposed on the substrate, wherein the ink pattern generates heat when electricity passes through the ink pattern, wherein the heating system includes a nailing portion that extends longitudinally along one side of the heating system, the nailing portion of the heating system having a transverse dimension that is at least substantially equal to a transverse dimension of a nailing portion of the roofing shingles, wherein the flexible heater is disposed on the flexible grounding layer such that the ink pattern is disposed outside of the nailing portion of the heating system.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower which includes a number of sections, connected by bolted joints is disclosed. A bolted joint includes at least one connection of the bearing type and at least one connection of the slip resistant at serviceability type. In one aspect, the bearing type connection includes at least one non prestressed bolt and/or the connection of the slip resistant at serviceability type includes at least one prestressed bolt.

Abstract: In order to store equipment and tools in the smallest space with at the same time improved access possibilities and orderliness in outdoor areas, a storage means is described for outdoor areas comprising: at least two holding compartments (11), each of which has one or a plurality of closable opening sections (13), wherein the one opening section (13) or the plurality of opening sections (13) jointly, which belong to the same holding compartment (11), have a surface that essentially corresponds to a surface of an outer side of this holding compartment (11), and wherein the opening sections (13) are arranged on at least two adjacent sides of the storage means.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for protecting well head equipment at a surface location is made up of an open framework of structural members which surround and protect the well head. Individual steel panels are assembled to form a series of upstanding walls which are covered by a series of roof panels and which together define the quasi-enclosed area surrounding the well head. The roof panels are covered with a steel grating which forms a covered roof for the protective enclosure. The tubing which makes up the steel panels is spaced to allow access to the enclosed area by a worker needing to access the well head. The steel panels are joined with lever latch and keeper assemblies which facilitate the job of disassembling the enclosure. The upright panels also have telescoping legs which can be extended and cemented into the ground for added stability.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the breeding of insects is provided. The system may have a larvacide release device. The larvacide release device may have a housing, a reservoir, and an actuator. The reservoir may be configured to contain a larvacide for impairing the ability of mosquitoes to breed. The actuator may be configured to release the larvacide from the reservoir and into a water system.

Abstract: A window panel including at least one electronic device that includes at least one electronic memory in which is stored information that can be read remotely using an appropriate reading apparatus. An electronic device connected to the memory receives and processes data so as to transmit and enter information to and in the memory in response to signals received in a programmed way by one or more units for detecting and sending data associated with the window panel and/or a device accommodating the window panel.

Abstract: A carport for a vehicle includes a roof, a concrete foundation, and a battery charging station. The roof is mounted to the concrete foundation via at least one support. The concrete foundation has a storage area therein. The charging station has a component for charging a battery of an electric vehicle parked underneath the roof next to the concrete foundation. The component of the charging station is positioned within the storage area of the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A method of removing accumulated frozen rain/ice/snow from a metal roof. The method comprising the steps of inducing vibration into the metal roof, via at least one vibration imparting member attached to the metal roof, to break up the frozen rain/ice/snow accumulated on the metal roof and separate the frozen rain/ice/snow from the metal roof; and allowing the frozen rain/ice/snow to slide off the metal roof under an effect of gravity.

Abstract: A system that facilitates water conservation and energy savings for a residential dwelling or home is provided. The system will increase the efficiency with which water is consumed by implementing a reclamation system for reusing water for selected tasks. Energy savings are enabled by utilizing unique insulating materials that allow the climate of the interior of a home to be controlled in a more affordable manner as less fuel/energy is required to heat/cool the home's interior.

Abstract: A panel mounting system for mounting a panel (particularly a solar panel) to a structure. A load element connects a panel retainer to the roof structure and plastically deforms to a deformed configuration upon application of a predetermined threshold load to the load element. The load element typically has a cranked initial condition and elongates during plastic deformation. The mounting system prevents roof damage due to wind loading on the panels.

Abstract: A method and system for mounting a horizontal-axis wind turbine to a building, stadiums and the like, is disclosed. The method and system generally include identifying a building structured to create the necessary air pressure gradient for supporting and operating a wind turbine, mounting the wind turbine in an optimal location on the rooftop, and permitting the wind turbine to operate. The generated electricity is collected and used in the building, either for tenant use or building operations.

Abstract: The passive system is suitable for prefabrication and installation as a variable volume unit enclosing industrial components, systems, buildings and structures at operating light water reactors without interference with the design basis operations and performance of the buildings, structures, systems and components enclosed. This invention removes the energy from residual heat and hydrogen generation accumulated inside the containment buildings and spent fuel pool buildings challenged by over temperature and over pressure during severe accidents, while encapsulating the radioactive atmospheric fallout, condensing steam by heat exchange with the atmosphere and retaining the resulting water coolant. This invention also encapsulates design basis accidents releases such as the release of radioactive steam through hardened venting systems to the atmosphere, and the release of radioactive steam through containment bypass systems to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the creation, selection, ordering, shipping and constructing of personalized living environments with customized configurations through the use of an architectural process, unitized assemblies, and assembly joineries. The architectural process allows for the initial creation, design and selection of the unitized assembly collections based upon human factors behavioral based criteria. The unitized assemblies are fixed and/or flexible, trade-integrated modules in unitized, shippable configurations designed and incorporated with high touch finished crafts, allowing for dimensional flexibility. The unitized assembly and human factors behavioral analysis combine for an experience blueprint of a homeowner's lifestyle portrait. The assembly joineries, based upon the desired collections selection, provide finishing touches to the unitized assembly, efficient strength to weight ratios, and expressed, stylized configurations in hybrid materials.

Abstract: An engineered block for a landscape wall includes front and rear faces, first and second sidewalls, a top surface extending between upper ends of the front and rear faces, and a bottom surface extending between lower ends of the front and rear faces. A stepped cavity is formed in the top surface of the engineered block. The stepped cavity is located adjacent the front face of the engineered block and includes a first step having a first horizontal, and a shallower second step, adjacent the first step, having a second horizontal surface. A mounting device adapted to receive a light fixture is seated within the stepped cavity. The mounting device has a flat plate seated upon the second step and a storage compartment for wire seated upon the first step. A top planar surface of the flat plate is coplanar with the top surface of the engineered block.

Abstract: A desk according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper panel, a support leg, a support member, a movable panel and a vertical panel. The upper panel is coupled to an upper end of the support leg. The support member extends from the upper panel. The movable panel has an upper end movable along the support member and a lower end movably placed on the upper panel. The movable panel is movable between a first position inclined with respect to the upper panel and a second position vertical to the upper panel and between the first position and a third position parallel to the upper panel. The vertical panel is rotatably joined to the support member. A lower end of the vertical panel is movably placed on the movable panel. The vertical panel moves along with the movement of the movable panel.

Abstract: A prefabricated ribbed panel for installation either in a horizontal, vertical or inclined condition, characterized in that said panel comprises a caisson block (1) made of an inert insulating material, defining a plurality of recesses (2) for housing therein a longitudinal reinforcement structure (10) which can be embedded in a first concrete casting (11) made at a concrete casting shop; a first finishing slab floor (13) with an electrowelded network (15) at panel joining regions being moreover provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling water leakage and excess humidity in a basement, including a water leakage vacuum apparatus that includes a water vacuuming apparatus to collect a water leakage through a basement wall, an air dehumidifying apparatus, and a perimeter channel system having a plurality of flow channels, disposed along the perimeter of the basement wall. The perimeter channel system includes a water channel for conducting the water leakage away from a basement wall to the water vacuuming apparatus, a humid air channel for communicating humid air from the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement to a dehumidifying apparatus, and a dehumidified air channel for communicating the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying apparatus to the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement.

Abstract: Dock seal for use with loading docks are described. An example dock seal includes a compressible body having a front compressible body and a rear compressible body, where the rear compressible body is interposed between the wall and the front compressible body when the dock seal is mounted to the wall. A flexible panel pivotally couples the compressible body to the wall.

Abstract: A fenestration assembly is described. The fenestration assembly includes: (1) a layer of film; (2) a frame having a first surface and a second surface, which is opposite to the first surface, the first surface substantially surrounding and having secured thereon the film and the frame having a thickness such that when the second side is fitted onto a window or a window frame, the thickness of the frame defines a space between the film and the window; and (3) wherein said film is a low-emittance film having an emissivity equal to or less than 0.35.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using sunlight to convert an atmospheric gas to an output product and capture that output product. A photocatalytic element is encapsulated within a chamber in which the chamber is light transmissive, and is substantially permeable to the atmospheric gas and substantially impermeable to the output product. The photocatalytic element may be composed of a photocatalytic composition, comprising a first constituent capable of capturing or binding an atmospheric gas, a second constituent capable of reducing the atmospheric gas using energy from the sunlight, and a third constituent adapted to absorb sunlight, all combined into a single polymer. A fourth constituent may be added that is hydrophobic or hydrophilic depending upon the nature of the other three combined constituents.

Abstract: An apparatus including an impact surface and a plurality of spaced apart stiffening columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate. The columns remain substantially rigid up to a predetermined critical pressure and then buckle as the pressure increases. The columns are at least partially surrounded by a resilient underlayment. Deflection stops may extend from the flooring plate to prevent over-buckling and/or permanent deformation of the stiffening columns. In some examples, the deflections stops may assist the floor in providing a substantially rigid surface at very high pressures.

Abstract: A system and method to secure a free-standing automatic teller machine (ATM). An attachment plate having a plurality of sleeves that align with attachment point on an ATM is embedded in a concrete platform before the concrete is cured. The ATM is positioned on the surface of the attachment plate so that its attachment points aligned with a subset of sleeves. The ATM is then bolted into the sleeves. When so installed it is nearly impossible to dislodge the ATM from the platform with typical mechanical equipment such as trucks, tractors etc.

Abstract: A protection cell having an upper wall and a lower wall spaced with respect to each other through a plurality of side walls integrally connected to each other, to form an open box-like container with an entrance opening. The container defines inside a shelter space arranged to accommodate a user. In particular, the container is produced as a single block that reproduces the open box-like container. The anti-seismic cell has a movable wall portion mounted slidingly on the box-like container, by means of a sliding cooperating element, in particular a plane sliding board that slidingly engages between at least two slide paths, which are arranged at opposite sides with respect to each other. The plane sliding boards allows movable wall portion to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration, where the movable wall portion blocks the opening defining the protection cell.

Abstract: A modular roof system for a building and method for installing the modular roof system includes roofing modules (M) which are designed to be arranged alongside each other substantially with continuity on a supporting structure (C, T). Each roofing module (M) includes a supporting base (20; 120) which is designed to receive at least one functional element of the roofing and rests on the support structure (C, T) in an installation condition, and a top covering part (22; 122) supported on the base (20; 120). The base (20; 120) is shaped so as to define at least one free channel (26?; 126?) extending substantially along a first direction of juxtaposition of the modules (M) and each roofing module (M) has interlocking members for joining together with adjacent modules (M) along at least one direction of juxtaposition of the modules (M).

Abstract: A shingle insert and method for eliminating and preventing growths on a shingled roof in which a porous copper mesh is installed with an upper edge beneath a course of shingles with the remaining portions of the insert exposed. A confined space is defined beneath a lengthwise hump in the exposed copper strip portions which is filled with a growth toxic material, in solid or granular form which releases a substance toxic to the growths when rainwater runoff passes into the confined space and material and thereafter flows out down the roof.

Abstract: A rainwater catching and plant watering device includes a collecting member forming a rainwater holding area, the collecting member configured to be attached to a portion of a building from which rainwater will flow. There is at least one opening in the collecting member for receiving rainwater flowing from the building. A flow connector directs rainwater in the water holding area to plants or the like.

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 storage cabinet with two electrified back-to back, separated compartments extending through an office partition with a first compartment open to a first side of the partition and another, second compartment open to a second side of the partition, and with one lockable door on each side of the partition to close the compartment opening on that side. The electrified back to back compartments have a depth less than the side to side depth of the cabinet and, preferably have a cavity intermediate the two compartments via which electrical power is directed to an electrical outlet in each compartment.

Abstract: A system for providing electrical energy to heating and cooling units associated with a building. Conduits are positioned within the building, such that the end portions are open to exterior wall surfaces of the building. Wind deflector mechanisms positioned at the end portions of the conduits direct wind from the exterior wall surfaces into the conduits, impacting venturi elements and wind collector devices positioned within the conduits. The venturi elements are pivotally mounted within the conduits to accelerate the wind towards the wind collectors regardless of in which direction the wind flows, rotating the wind collectors operatively associated with a wind turbine device. The wind turbine device converts mechanical energy to electrical energy which is provided to the heating and cooling units.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example head curtain assembly for a vehicle loading dock includes a retractable curtain stiffened by a resiliently compressible foam panel that is more flexible about a horizontal axis than about a vertical axis. The difference in directional flexibility can be created by sewing the foam panel to a pliable cover using a series of parallel horizontal thread lines. The thread lines create in the foam a series of compressed indentations that run horizontally across the curtain so that the curtain tends to bend more easily along those lines. The relative stiffness in the horizontal direction enables the curtain to exert an appreciable sealing force against two lateral dock seal members, and the vertical flexibility makes the curtain easy to retract to accommodate vehicles of various heights. Touch-and-hold fasteners make many of the individual components of the head curtain readily replaceable.

Abstract: An elevator shaft closure, which separates an elevator shaft of a building from a story of the building, has a door frame. An elevator control arrangement is arranged in a chamber of the door frame, wherein the elevator control arrangement includes an elevator control unit and at least one electronic power unit for operation of an elevator motor.