Abstract: Fibers in a fiber reinforced resin laminate are exposed by placing a gel in contact with the resin laminate, forcing the fibers of the resin laminate into the gel, and using the gel to displace the resin surrounding the fibers being forced into the gel. The gel is removed to expose the fibers.

Abstract: An anchor system comprising an anchor set in a ground surface and a brace attached to a movable section of an irrigation system. The anchor includes a base configured to engage the ground surface so as to secure the anchor in the ground surface, a vertical member extending upwards from the base, and a head attached near the top of the vertical member and spaced from the ground surface when the anchor is secured in the ground surface. The brace is operable to engage the anchor and includes an open-ended central channel for receiving the head therein and an open-ended slot along a bottom side for receiving the vertical member therein. The slot is narrower than the head so as to prevent the head from passing vertically therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns a window including a window pane with one or more glass panes, a window frame in which the window pane is provided, at least one temperature sensor arranged in or at the periphery of the window pane, and an electric circuit connected to the temperature sensor mounted on or in the window frame. The electric circuit is configured to be connected to an operation unit which is configured to regulate the incident light through the window pane. The invention furthermore concerns a method for controlling a window wherein the electric circuit controls the means configured to regulate the incident light through the window pane based on a set of parameters. The parameters are determined on the basis of the orientation and geographical position of the window whereby the supply of free energy is optimised and the amount of energy supplied from energy sources in the room is reduced.

Abstract: An air containment system (22) is configured to span an aisle (12) formed by two rows of racks (14,16) or by one row of racks (14) and a wall (56) to form a ceiling. The air containment system (22) includes a frame structure (24) configured to be supported by the two rows of racks (14,16) or by the one row of racks (14) and the wall (56). The air containment system (22) further includes at least one ceiling panel (30) releasably supported by the frame structure (24), and a lock assembly (64) coupled to the frame structure (24) and configured to release the at least one ceiling panel (30) upon detecting a predetermined condition. Embodiments of the air containment system (22) and methods for releasing ceiling panels (30) are further disclosed.

Abstract: A solar panel assembly including a solar panel spaced from a surface to create a gap and a barrier movable between an open position and a closed position, the barrier being adapted to inhibit airflow through said gap below said solar panel when in the closed position. The assembly may further include a rack supporting the solar panel and resting on the surface. The barrier may be adapted to move from the open position to the closed position upon detection of conditions indicative of a fire. In this way air flow below the solar panel is permitted during normal operation of the solar panel assembly but is inhibited upon detection of a fire.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing. The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: A responsive structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section is provided. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.

Abstract: In a system for stabilizing a wall, especially a masonry wall (10), movement away from the wall of a rigid member (30) is prevented by a thrust rod (70) that is anchored to joists associated with the wall. The thrust rod acts on an unsecured upper end (32) of the rigid member and is adjustably received in a thrust bracket (60) affixed directly or indirectly to the joists. A warning collar (80) placed on the upper end is retained in place by the thrust rod, which normally bears against the upper end through an aperture in the warning collar. If the upper end retreats away from the thrust rod towards the wall by more than a predetermined distance, the warning collar slides down the rigid member, triggering a signal means (90).

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 for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is provided with enhanced fatigue resistance. The pressure relief device may include, inter alia, rupture disks assemblies and explosion panel assemblies. The explosion panel assemblies include a first explosion panel, a second explosion panel, and a non-rigid buffering layer that may be selected for its thermal insulation properties. The buffering layer is interposed between the first and second explosion panels and may be configured to oppose inward flexing of these panels. The buffering layer may force surfaces of the first and second explosion panels to extend outwardly.

Abstract: A building is provided with a shutter, a stairway, and a handrail. The handrail has a connection member and a connection apparatus. The shutter opens and closes in a horizontal direction. A gap through which the shutter can pass is formed in the stairway. The handrail is provided at the stairway, and includes a handrail main body and a movable member. A gap through which the shutter can pass is formed in the handrail main body, and the movable member closes the gap in the handrail main body. The connection member connects one end portion of the movable member with the handrail main body such that the movable body is turnable relative to the handrail main body. The connection apparatus releasably connects another end portion of the movable member with the handle main body.

Abstract: A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast.

Abstract: A guy wire control method provides a plurality of activation elements, and enables the plurality of activation elements to be coupled with at least a portion of a guy wire. The method activates at least one of the plurality of activation elements to assist the guy wire in at least one capacity.

Abstract: A removable inspection panel for use with a projectile containment assembly in a shoot house or on a firing range where the firing of live ammunition is carried out is provided. The inspection panel is removably attached to a supporting structure between the supporting structure and a projectile containment assembly. The inspection panel is removable from the top of the supporting structure, for example, for periodic inspection of the condition of the inspection panel. Any detectable damage to the surface of the inspection panel facing the projectile containment assembly indicates immanent failure of the projectile containment assembly.

Abstract: Deployable units and systems made of deployable units are described. The units have a retractable brace transitioning from a retracted condition to a deployed condition through a gravity driven movement, a latching arrangement contacting the brace and keeping the brace in position when the brace is in the deployed condition, and a guiding arrangement to guide the movement of the brace. The systems comprise plural deployable units to be arranged in a building structure, each unit to be located in a respective bay per story space of the building structure.

Abstract: A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The pad defines an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A supplemental construction band is positioned extending around the pad for enhancing firestopping adjacent the penetrating wire for facilitating preventing the flow of heat, smoke or fire therepast.

Abstract: A method and a device serve for the installation of a false floor above a bare floor include false-floor supports that are placed in a regular grid pattern on the bare floor, on which floor panels are arranged alongside one another in rows. Mounting positions are determined for the false-floor supports and the false-floor supports to be installed are correspondingly positioned. Furthermore, a mounting plane lying at a mounting height is at least partially determined preferably by using laser devices. The false-floor supports to be installed are then positioned relative to the mounting plane. Pedestals, which are composed of solidifying pedestal material that is binding to the bare floor and which project beyond the mounting plane, are provided at the mounting positions before, during or after the positioning of the false-floor supports. The false-floor supports are then held each in the respective pedestal until the latter has solidified.

Abstract: A force resistant panel system is provided where a window pane is bordered by a sash and magnetically attracted to an exterior flange. The exterior flange is attached to an opening in a wall, facing outward. An interior flange with a channel is attached to the inside and facing inward. The exterior flange and interior flange combine to form a channel for which the window pane can travel in the event of a blast. Decorative trim snaps into a groove on the interior flange and generates static outward pressure against the sash.

Abstract: An improved vibration damping apparatus is provided for use with window structures, including windows used in vehicles, aircraft, and spacecraft. The vibration damping system includes at least two separate layers of solid material that are typically substantially clear at visible wavelengths, in which the two layers are spaced-apart by a predetermined distance to form a space or gap therebetween. This gap will be of a size and shape to enhance vibration damping when it is filled with a gaseous compound, such as air. The air-film vibration damping system created by the above structure can be applied to an external pane of a window structure, or to the interior pane of a window structure, or perhaps to both an exterior pane and an interior pane of the same window structure, if desired.

Abstract: A passive damper for earthquake hazard reduction includes an inner member received in an outer member, with an elastomeric material disposed in the gaps between the inner and outer member. The elastomeric material has at least a first and a second portion. The first portion is bonded or connected to both the inner member and outer member such that no slippage occurs between the members and the material. The second portion is not bonded or connected to at least one of the inner and outer members such that slippage may occur.

Abstract: A building for a data center (or server farm) includes a stack structure that interfaces with an environment and one or more housings coupled to a floor and the stack structure. Each of the housings includes one or more racks with a plurality of servers and each of the servers includes a computer fan capable of varying speed or reversing direction. The building also includes one or more filters between the one or more housings and the environment and one or more walls operable to be between the one or more filters and the environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulation panel used to form part of an exterior element of a buildings envelope for thermal insulation, ventilation, heating and cooling purpose having an internal duct that provides heat exchange between counter flowing waste and fresh air streams, oriented through the panel to minimise undesirable heat transfer. Ventilation air enters beneath the eaves, waste air exits beneath the ridge passing the coil of a reversible heat pump. The paired coil inside the building in the upper roof space within the fresh air stream is used for heating or cooling the building. Ducted waste air, leaving the building at this same position, can be supplied with a water mist before entering the heat exchanger to provide further indirect evaporative cooling of the incoming air stream. The waste air is also used to cool solar panels when fitted to the roof.

Abstract: System and means soil stabilization and moisture control for building foundations including methods and systems for stabilization moisture in a site for building foundation by applying soil moisture stabilization material in various forms, a preferred stabilization material being a mixture of pozzolan and granular material such as sand.

Abstract: Systems for using one or more rotating roofs on a building to track the sun or for other reasons such as for changing the lighting, or views, or for using the rotating roofs as a mobile sculptures are disclosed.

Abstract: A head-of-wall joint for insulating the intersection between a wall assembly and the bottom of a floor or roof construction thereabove which utilizes an insulating gasket of a unique shape and construction positioned between the ceiling track and the point of intersection thereof with respect to the upper building floor or roof structure. The configuration of the insulating gasket member includes a main section and two side sections which extend over the outwardly facing surfaces of a conventionally configured ceiling track or runner without being attached to the ceiling track side panel side surfaces. The gasket can included tabs to attach to the lowermost edges of the track side sections. The gasket can be made from acoustically insulating materials or firestopping materials, or both.

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of cooling energy required to heat and cool a building is provided. The method includes disposing a porous insulating material in the exterior walls and substantially covering the ceiling in the attic space of the building to a substantial depth. The porous insulating material includes a desiccant. The method further includes permitting the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material to adsorb water moisture from the attic space and then permitting the adsorbed water moisture to desorb from the desiccant—bearing porous insulating material into the enclosed room of the building, resulting in a reduction in the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building.

Abstract: A theater area includes audience seating that faces outwardly in an “inverted-theater-in-the-round” arrangement towards a ring-shaped performance stage. The performance stage is designed to rotate around the audience area so that each section of the audience can see each part of the stage at different times.

Abstract: A floor covering includes: a surface layer having a plurality of conductive segments capable of being supplied with electrical power; an at least partially electrically insulating intermediate layer having a plurality of through-recesses distributed in a substantially regular manner so that the mean distance between a recess and the recess closest thereto is between approximately 5 and 20 cm; a base layer having a plurality of electrical contacts, of which at least some correspond to the recesses of the surface layer and are connected to an electronic controller; the surface, intermediate and base layers being superimposed in this order and positioned so that at least some of the conductive segments are arranged at least partially opposite a recess of the intermediate layer, and so that these conductive segments react to a pressure by approaching the electrical contacts which correspond to the base layer.

Abstract: A blanket or curtain of flexible fire retardant material is collapsed and retained within a retaining housing construction positioned adjacent to a curtain wall assembly for firestop sealing thereover. The housing includes a safing angle member secured to the curtain wall assembly and a cover which releases responsive to sensing fire conditions to allow the firestopping blanket to deploy downwardly to extend between curtain wall framing members and be positioned extending across a curtain wall panel for fire protection thereover. Such curtain wall panels are commonly made of glass which tends to fracture during a hot fire. The cover will release the blanket responsive to controlled failure of fusible links which secure the cover to the safing angle member. After deployment the blanket will deflect fire and heat away from the curtain wall panel to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent floors.

Abstract: A rooftop photovoltaic solar system is disclosed. The solar system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules forming a rooftop array, the rooftop array having at least one edge and a wind deflector positioned along the edge of the rooftop array, the wind deflector constrained in a first configuration by a fuse. In the first configuration the wind deflector comprises a deflecting portion adapted to deflect wind blowing on the rooftop above the rooftop array and a ventilation portion having a plurality of openings, the openings positioned to permit airflow under the rooftop array. The wind deflector assumes a second configuration upon release of the fuse. In the second configuration, the deflecting portion is elevated from the first configuration and the ventilation portion is positioned to permit less airflow through the plurality of openings than in the first configuration.

Abstract: A foam filler is provided with a base for forming a foam and placed inside a hollow structure having a through hole. An opening having an area larger than the opening of the through hole is created in the base and surrounding the through hole. The foam filler is provided with an upper wall which follows the flow and the thermal expansion of the base at the time of heating. The upper wall closes at least part of the opening of the through hole when following the flow and the thermal expansion of the base, and thus prevents the base from entering into the through hole. The upper wall is provided in a peripheral portion of the opening and placed in a part of an area surrounding the through hole.

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: A building (2) having an information facility for use in an emergency and for enabling emergency services to obtain information on the building (2) likely to be necessary for use in tackling the emergency, and the building (2) being such that: (i) the information on the building (2) is accessed via an information container (4); (ii) the information container (4) is on an outside part of a building; (iii) the information container (4) comprises a body (8), a door (10) for closing the body (8), and control means (12) for accessing the information on the building (2); (iv) the information on the building (2) is stored in memory means (14); and (v) the control means (12) electronically accesses the information in the memory means (14).

Abstract: An explosion relief panel (34) suitable for use as a roof panel and comprising, when oriented as a roof panel, a raised longitudinally extending edge portion (52) which is raised above a respective adjacent longitudinally extending drain portion (53) of the panel and which has a second raised longitudinally extending portion (54) which is raised above a respective adjacent longitudinally extending drain portion (55) lying between said second raised portion (54) and said edge portion (52), the said second raised portion being fixed to a first support member (38) and the said edge portion being mounted to a second support member (40 or 42) in a manner such as to be released therefrom in response to an overpressure applied beneath the roof panel to allow the edge of the roof panel to be deflected upwardly to release said overpressure whilst the second portion of the roof panel remains fixed to said first support member.

Abstract: A method and a device serve for the installation of a false floor above a bare floor include false-floor supports that are placed in a regular grid pattern on the bare floor, on which floor panels are arranged alongside one another in rows. Mounting positions are determined for the false-floor supports and the false-floor supports to be installed are correspondingly positioned. Furthermore, a mounting plane lying at a mounting height is at least partially determined preferably by using laser devices. The false-floor supports to be installed are then positioned relative to the mounting plane. Pedestals, which are composed of solidifying pedestal material that is binding to the bare floor and which project beyond the mounting plane, are provided at the mounting positions before, during or after the positioning of the false-floor supports. The false-floor supports are then held each in the respective pedestal until the latter has solidified.

Abstract: A system for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: Provided are a fireproof door and a fireproof door frame. The fireproof door includes a water receiving part, a groove, a water expansion substance, an intake port, and a plurality of supply holes. The water receiving part holds water therein. The groove is formed along an edge of the fireproof door. The water expansion substance is inserted into the groove along the edge and expands when absorbing water to seal a gap between a door frame and the fireproof door. The intake port is disposed at a lower portion to supply water into the water receiving part. The plurality of supply holes is disposed along the groove between the water receiving part and the water expansion substance to supply water held in the water receiving part through the intake port to the water expansion substance.

Abstract: The roof reflector provides selectively deployable and retractable devices for installation over the roof of a building structure to reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted to the roof proper. The roof reflector may include a thick roll of insulating material that may be unrolled to cover the roof or rolled up for storage. Alternatively, the roof reflector may have a plurality of rigid panels hinged together to extend over the roof or to fold over one another for storage. Yet another alternative is a plurality of rigid panels that telescope into one another for storage. Still another alternative includes a plurality of laterally disposed slats that may be opened and closed in the manner of Venetian blinds. The roof reflector is remotely operated, either mechanically by a hand crank and cable mechanism, or electronically by a remote signal operating an electric motor.

Abstract: A four component roofing system uses three reflective subsystems and one radiant subsystem to provide passive temperature control of a building comprising: (1) Shingles that reflect high angle summer sun light back to the sky, but absorb low angle winter sunlight; (2) A temperature sensitive attic insulator placed under a sunlit roof that reflects radiation and blocks convection from the roof to the attic at hot temperatures, permits radiation and convection at warm temperatures, and blocks radiation and convection from the attic at cold temperatures; (3) A temperature sensitive attic insulator placed under a shaded roof that permits radiation and convection at warm or hot temperatures, and blocks radiation and convection from the attic at cold temperatures; (4) Non-reflective shingles on a shaded roof that emit radiation continuously, but that are heated by air and radiation from the attic only when the second temperature sensitive attic insulator permits convection, so that radiant heat loss is reduced at c

Abstract: The Solar Roof Module is a factory assembled Roof mounted Solar Power system that incorporates a Solar panel for generating DC Power, a battery system for power storage which is used by dedicated purpose components such as Lighting, Security and Fire Safety Alarm systems. The solar roof module is operated with advanced management and wireless control features. The solar roof module is incorporated into a Metal Roof Panel that will allow it to be simply installed onto a metal building roof during construction.

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A building's seismic isolation and snubber system for a seismic isolation mechanism instantly activated includes sensors, a processing unit, absorber systems, hydraulic oil pressure systems and multilayer sliding systems. In this regard, a sensor detecting any earthquake-induced strike and dip in a building's quadrant of operation could supply an oblique angle to the processing unit in which the oblique angle thereof is transferred to any hydraulic oil pressure system's coefficient of damping for the hydraulic oil pressure system's corresponding damping force generated to control and distribute a building's equilibrium, and any multilayer sliding system is used to yield or eliminate any seismic horizontal vibrations for the said elements developing all functions, substantially reducing and distributing earthquake-induced stresses, and delivering a building with seismic vibrations effectively isolated and prevented.

Abstract: Two-stage, sequential operation protective assemblies are provided, including a primary protective device (20) having an element (32) which shifts in response to operation thereof (preferably a rupturable burst member (35)), together with a secondary protective device (22). An actuating assembly (24) interconnects the primary and secondary protective devices (20, 22) and has an actuating cable assembly (28) preferably including a cable (94) and a frangible component (86). In certain embodiments, an operator (28) for the secondary device (22) may be provided which includes an actuator (106) carried by the cable (94). Upon operation of the primary protective device (20), the cable (94) and frangible component (86) are tensioned and translated in a first direction. The component (86) then severs, which causes operation of the secondary protective device (22).

Abstract: Technologies and implementations for reflective roofs are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A fire resistant assembly which may be used to ensure the fire resistance of a fire barrier such as a wall, comprising a first layer having a lumen therein, a second layer adjacent the first layer, and a box having a cavity defined by a wall, an opening in the wall, and a flange proximate the opening, wherein the box is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and wherein the opening is disposed on the lumen of the first layer.

Abstract: An animal confinement housing includes an air intake section and an animal confinement section. Air is drawn into the housing through the air intake section and directed through the confinement section to ventilate the confinement section and the animals confined therein. The height of the confinement section can be selectively varied between a raised position of sufficient height to permit personnel and equipment to enter the confinement section and a lowered position that is of sufficient height to accommodate the animals confined therein by reduces the cross-sectional area through the confinement section to increase the air flow rate through the confinement section, without requiring an increase in the rate of intake of air into the air intake section.

Abstract: A blast-resistant window assembly is provided. The assembly has a window and first and second brackets. The window is fitted within an opening having at least one wall. The first bracket has a brace located adjacent the window and a stop located adjacent the wall. The second bracket is located adjacent the wall and is configured to receive the stop. During an explosion, force created therefrom causes the window to engage the brace of the first bracket to cause the stop of the same to be received by the second bracket.

Abstract: An explosion relief panel (34) suitable for use as a roof panel and comprising, when oriented as a roof panel, a raised longitudinally extending edge portion (52) which is raised above a respective adjacent longitudinally extending drain portion (53) of the panel and which has a second raised longitudinally extending portion (54) which is raised above a respective adjacent longitudinally extending drain portion (55) lying between said second raised portion (54) and said edge portion (52), the said second raised portion being fixed to a first support member (38) and the said edge portion being mounted to a second support member (40 or 42) in a manner such as to be released therefrom in response to an overpressure applied beneath the roof panel to allow the edge of the roof panel to be deflected upwardly to release said overpressure whilst the second portion of the roof panel remains fixed to said first support member.

Abstract: This invention provides a flooring apparatus comprising: (a) a flooring plate; (b) a plurality of columns extending from an underside of the flooring plate, wherein at least some of the columns deform when the flooring plate is subjected to a pressure equal to or greater than a critical buckling pressure; and (c) a matrix material in at least partial contact with the columns. The present disclosure includes many variations of such apparatus, such as various column designs, material selection criteria, and end-use considerations. This invention also provides a flooring system for mitigating injuries associated with falls, the system comprising a plurality of flooring apparatus each provided in accordance the present disclosure. The flooring system can include one or more types of modular tiles, or any other configuration (such as mats).