Abstract: A security screening facility for a location in which passengers travel from a check-in location within an in-secure area of a terminal to a secure part of the terminal for eventually boarding a transport vehicle. The facility includes a prefabricated building located alongside the terminal which houses body scanning apparatus.

Abstract: A telescoping tower comprising a sensor for monitoring an environmental condition, a processor for comparing the monitored environmental condition to a predetermined value, and an actuator for automatically retracting the telescoping tower if the environmental condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

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: In order to provide an intelligent building having specific rooms in which relatively less wealthy persons may use, and meeting the demands for specific rooms and privacy for the general public at the same time, by optimizing the space efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components for use in building construction. The invention provides wall components and systems which have fire-retardant characteristics, as well as wall components which allow for needed ventilation in a building throughout times when no fire is present. Embodiments include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving intumescent material. When the intumescent material becomes hot, it expands rapidly and fills its surrounding area, blocking fire, heat, and smoke from traveling to other areas of a building.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed that is designed to open in response to a pre-determined pressure differential. The pressure relief device includes a panel member, and at least one release mechanism. The release mechanism has a first end, a failure portion configured to fail upon experiencing a predetermined load, and a second end. The at least one release mechanism is configured to hold the panel member against a frame prior to experiencing the predetermined pressure differential.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: An assembly for cooling a penetrant from the non-fire side of a barrier and to extend the time that a firestop prevents the passage of flames and hot gases of a through penetration firestop installation. The present invention includes an encapsulation wrap that is positioned adjacent to and surrounding a penetrant or conduit. The encapsulation wrap comprises a plurality of individual coolant packages, each of which contains purified water or other appropriate coolant. An exterior banding structure is provided which is positioned adjacent to the encapsulation wrap and includes a plurality of vents to improve its heat dissipation properties and may include exterior fins. The encapsulation wrap and exterior banding are positioned and held in place by a hose clamp or other suitable attachment means. The packets of coolant are engineered to release a controlled amount of coolant when the coolant and/or penetrant achieves a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides structural members for buildings, methods for using the same, and building structures comprising such structural members. In particular, the present invention provides buildings that can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, high winds such as hurricanes and tornadoes, and other natural disasters.

Abstract: A tunable impedance load bearing structure includes a support comprising an active material configured for supporting a load, wherein the active material undergoes a change in a property upon exposure to an activating condition, wherein the change in the property is effective to change an impedance characteristic of the support.

Abstract: A device for controlling the atmosphere in a space (16) which is partly delimited by at least one glass component (12, 13; 61) and which is separated from the environment (17, 18), with at least one connection between the space and the environment, and with at least one electrically actuatable valve (32, 33; 47, 48) associated with the connection, which valve is connected to an electric control unit (24); the valve (32, 33; 47, 48) is arranged in a connecting passage (34) within a member (15A) delimiting the space (16), namely in the case of an insulating glass assembly (11), a connecting ledge (15) arranged between two glass panes (12, 13) or, in the case of a lamp (60), in a socket (64), and the control unit (24) provided for an automatic actuation of the valve is also arranged in said member (15A).

Abstract: A construction for effectively fireproof sealing of the gap between the floor of a building and an exterior wall construction wherein the exterior wall construction comprises a curtain wall configuration utilizing an interior panel module design. The insulating system includes a supplemental insulation belt positioned beneath the safing insulation and attached to the interior panel of a curtain wall construction to maintain sealing of the safing slot during exposure to fire and heat which can cause the interior panel to deform from heat warping to an extent beyond the capability of standard safing insulation for expanding in order to maintain a proper seal extending across the safing slot.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and method for protecting a building (3) from pests or other nuisances in the vicinity of buildings. The apparatus (1) comprises a monitor (7) having the ability to acquire environmental condition information relating to environmental conditions in a vicinity of the building (3), and a treatment controller (9) which is capable of using the environmental condition information received from the monitor (7) to provide an amount of treatment agent which, for those environmental conditions, remains below a safety threshold for habitation of the building (3) and reduces a population of the pests. The present invention circumvents the need to evacuate inhabitants of the buildings before any treatment agent is administered to the ground lying therebeneath. Further, near-continuous protection and treatment of buildings is also possible.

Abstract: A live fire burn room and an insulating system for a live fire burn room are disclosed. The burn room includes a structural framework. The insulating system includes a face panel, at least one face panel mounting bracket for attaching the face panel to the structural framework of the burn room, and an insulating layer disposed between the face panel and the structural framework of the burn room.

Abstract: A water collection system blocks down-pipes to collect water from a roof. A down-pipe (27) is located adjacent a rain water diversion unit (31). The unit comprises a box (36) with the down-pipe (27) fitted to an opening (37) in bottom (38) of the box (36). The gutter (14) has two side-by-side openings (39 and 40), the opening (40) has an overflow in the form of upstanding wall (41) while the opening (39) has a valve plate (42) hinged to the front edge at (43). A pneumatic actuator (44) is used to move the valve plate (42) to the closed position. When the valve is closed, the opening (40) and the upstanding wall (41) serve as an overflow back to the stormwater via the box (36). The tank pipe (17) also has an opening (45) with an upstanding wall (46) which has its upper edge (47) set lower than the upper edge (48) of the wall (41) of the overflow. All down-pipes are fitted with diversion units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flooring module for forming a floor, and which also incorporates a photovoltaic cell for generating electricity. The floor and electrical generator module has a body comprising: a floor surface for forming a floor; and at least one photovoltaic cell; the module further comprising a support means supporting the body and allowing movement of the body between first and second positions; wherein the module is configured such that the body can function either as a floor in the first position when the floor surface is uppermost or as an electrical generator in the second position when the photovoltaic cell is uppermost.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base, a sliding holder assembly and a connecting device. The first base has an elongated first sliding channel in a first direction. The second base is parallel to the first base and has an elongated second sliding channel in a second direction. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first and second sliding channels. The sliding holder assembly is mounted between the connecting device and at least one of the bases. The first base is connected with one of the convex ends of the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in a first unidirectional sliding direction. The second base is connected with the other convex end of the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a second unidirectional sliding direction.

Abstract: An explosion-proof decompression plate is provided outside the explosion-proof window of an architecture or equipment. A convex part that protrudes out of the window is formed in the center of the decompression plate, and a flange is formed around the convex part. Further, a confined space is formed inside the decompression plate that is opposite to the convex part. Several thru holes are formed on the flange, and a lock-joint portion of which the area is smaller than the thru hole is formed. Several joint ribs easily splitting are formed between the flange and the lock-joint portions to connect. Accordingly, when the air blast occurs in the architecture or equipment, the decompression plate is thrust away by the blast pressure caused by the air blast and an open mouth is formed to vent out the blast pressure.

Abstract: A lateral force resisting system according to the present disclosure includes a metal lateral force resisting panel and holdowns. A foundation bolt placement template may be used to locate and support the foundation bolts during fabrication of the foundation and to further secure the frame foundation interface. The metal lateral force resisting panel may be formed from a single piece of material and may include a plurality of ductility apertures forming lateral force resisting elements to enable the panel to flex without catastrophic failure. In a hybrid configuration, a wooden structural frame may be combined with the metal structural panel. The structural panel may be subdivided into multiple panes using ductility apertures to tailor the response of the panel to the lateral force load. The holdowns secure the rigid structural panel to the foundation bolts and may be either a folded strap and pin configuration or self-tightening.

Abstract: Explosion vent apparatus is provided, which includes a vent support unit defining a vent opening adapted to be aligned with an area to be protected from an overpressure condition, a vent panel movably mounted on the support unit in a normal closed position blocking the outlet and movable through a first displacement away from its closed position to a first overpressure-relieving position upon application of an overpressure of one magnitude of pressure while allowing movement of the vent panel through a second and greater displacement to a second overpressure-relieving position upon application of a higher overpressure. The vent panel does not deform or rupture upon opening, and recloses after pressure relief, either under spring pressure when opened under a lower first pressure, or by a fluid actuated reclosing mechanism upon full opening of the vent panel under a higher second pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multifunctional building panel which may comprise a sensor to measure an interior condition and an exterior condition and generate a signal in response, along with systems and methods for designing, optimizing and constructing modular buildings, including buildings constructed at least in part of multifunctional building panels, by utilizing a priority distribution ranking as an optimization constraint.

Abstract: A fire collar (10) including a housing defining an opening (18) and a passage (20) adapted to receive a conduit therethrough. A layer of intumescent material (43) surrounds the conduit and is supported by the housing adjacent the opening. Torsion springs (34) are mounted between the housing and the intumescent material to surround the conduit and are held in a non-operational position by fusible links (41). When the heat of a fire melts the links, each torsion spring acts in a longitudinal plane of the passage to assist the intumescent material to collapse the conduit and seal the passage against advancement of the fire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a glazing element (2) and a gas supply device (4), whereby the glazing element (2) has at least two substrates (18, 19), which enclose a space (3), and at least one gas of a defined composition located inside the space (3). A coating whose physical properties, in particular, optical and/or electrical properties, which can be altered according to the composition of the gas, is at least applied to one of the surfaces of a substrate (18, 19), said surfaces facing the space (3). The gas supply device (4) has at least one electrolysis device that has a working electrode (9), a counter electrode (10) and at least one electrolyte (17) for producing gas. The glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4) are connected to one another whereby enabling the gas inside a closed circuit (6) to be guided between the glazing element (2) and the gas supply device (4). In addition, means for influencing the moisture content of the gas are placed inside the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand alone system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a weighted object is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the weighted object and thereby store energy in the elevated object. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: A sub-floor panel and system using the sub-floor panel is disclosed. A sub-floor panel, includes a base, at least one support structure coupled to the base, and at least one ventilation channel adjacent to the support structure.

Abstract: A building (20) has an atrium (24) and an elevator hoistway (40). To mitigate a stack effect in the atrium, a fan (62) may provide a downward airflow (60) through the hoistway.

Abstract: A door sealing system includes a frame and a pneumatic liner positioned along an inner perimeter of the frame. The liner includes a hollow interior for adjusting it between extended and retracted configurations. A pump is included for selectively inflating the liner and a valve which can be deactivated to deflate the liner. When inflated, the liner fills the gap between the door and the frame and when deflated, allows the door to be opened easily. A sensor is positioned with a cavity in the frame for detecting placement of a latch indicative of the door being opened or closed. A processor then appropriately actuates the pump or deactivates the valve. Accordingly, the seal is inflated when the door is closed and is deflated when the door is being opened.

Abstract: An automatic storm shutter. A shutter is hingeadly attached to a wall over a structure opening. An actuator is attached to the shutter, and releasably engaged with a support, which is rigidly attached to the wall. When external atmospheric pressure descends, as would happen at the approach of a wind storm such as a tornado, gas pressure within the actuator automatically releases the actuator from the support, which permits the shutter to quickly close as urged by gravity, to cover the structure opening and protect it from storm winds. An alternate embodiment is disclosed wherein one or more additional shutters are installed below the automatic storm shutter. The shutters are mutually attached with an elongate member. When the automatic storm shutter automatically closes, so also do the shutters below.

Abstract: A shock suppressor has an upper base, a lower base and a connecting device. The upper base has a bottom and a top channel defined in the bottom along a first direction. The lower base corresponds to the upper base and has a top and a bottom channel defined in the top along a second direction corresponding to the first direction of the top channel at an angle. The connecting device is slidably mounted in the top channel and the bottom channel. Accordingly, the shock suppressor can reduce or isolate the transmission of a shock efficiently.

Abstract: Installed on a top of a structure (1) is a base stand (11) against which damping body (3) movably rests via a linear guide mechanism (12). Mounted between the damping body (3) and the structure (1) or between the damping body (3) and a top of a support housing (14) erected on the structure (1) is a characteristic-frequency adjusting spring or springs (13) with an initial tension being applied vertically. Movement of the damping body (3) causes the spring or springs (13) to be obliquely and longitudinally expanded to apply horizontal component to the damping body (3) upon restoring.

Abstract: A load measuring system for measuring the loads on a foundation for wind turbines is disclosed. A load measuring device is mounted on a rock anchor pad for a turbine and measures the loads on the anchor. Signals from the load measuring device are transmitted to a remote location. The load measuring device is installed on selected rock anchor pads, distributed evenly about the foundation pad. The signals from the load measuring are transmitted to a control station at a remote location, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the loading conditions on the rock anchors. The signals from a plurality of load measuring systems may be transmitted to the control station, so as to allow monitoring of a group of wind turbine foundation pads at a single location.

Abstract: A multifunctional panel for a building comprises an insulative body, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. A sensor is provided to measure an interior condition in the interior of the building and an exterior condition in the exterior of the building, and generate a sensor signal in response to the difference between the measured interior and exterior conditions. A signal coupler can transmit the sensor signal to other multifunctional panels, receive an input signal from another multifunctional panel, or pass power to power a device in or about the insulative body.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.

Abstract: A fire collar, for location in a concrete slab around a deformable conduit, has a housing with a passageway through which the conduit passes. The collar has the housing in which are located two compression springs with arms which are held against the force of the springs by fusible links. When the heat of a fire on one side of the slab causes the fusible links to soften or melt, the force of the springs causes the spring arms to rotate towards the conduit, engaging the conduit and collapsing it. An intumescent layer may be provided around the conduit to assist in collapsing it.

Abstract: A platform has a truss frame including at least one frame chord, legs attached to the frame chord, and at least one assembly mounted between the legs and the frame chord, the assembly including an actuator arranged to move the frame chord. A solar tracking platform has a truss frame including at least one frame chord, block assemblies attached to the frame chord, at least one solar panel attached to the block assemblies, legs attached to the frame chord, and at least one assembly attached to the frame chord, the assembly including an actuator to move the frame chord.

Abstract: A building energy storage and conversion apparatus includes at least a control unit, an electric power conversion unit, an energy conversion unit and a thermoelectric conversion unit to regulate energy sources of the electric power conversion unit. The energy conversion unit generates cold/heat energy which is stored through a heat storage equipment (for cold/heat energy). The cold/heat energy can be released when needed. When the cold/heat energy is in a surplus state, it can be converted to electric power through the thermoelectric conversion unit or stored in the form of electric power. Thus energy resources can be converted and utilized in an optimal fashion to achieve energy self-sufficiency of a building. Moreover, energy exchange with other buildings in the neighborhood can be done to balance demand and supply.

Abstract: Rectangular or circular vent apparatus for protecting a confined space having a vent aperture for relief of an overpressure condition is provided with each including vent structure having a vent unit adapted to be positioned over the vent aperture in normal closing relationship thereto. Each vent unit preferably includes at least one spring steel panel, or spring steel leaves positioned against a metal sheet, provided with a movable pressure relief portion having an initial position extending across the vent aperture. A backstop is provided for arresting the degree of movement of the spring steel. The spring steel panel or the spring steel leaves have a sufficient modulus of resilience and elasticity to cause the relief portion of the spring steel panel or the metal sheet to return to their respective initial positions from the open positions thereof upon relief of the overpressure condition in the confined space.

Abstract: A shape-changing structural member has a shape-changing material, such as a suitable foam material, for example a polymer foam capable of withstanding at least 300% strain or a metal alloy foam capable of withstanding at least 5% strain. Springs, such as one or more coil springs, provide structural support for the shape-changing material. The springs may also be used to provide forces to expand and contract the shape change material. The springs may include pairs of concentric springs, one inside of another. The concentric springs may surround an underlying skeleton structure that supports the shape-changing material and/or aids in changing the shape of the material. The concentric springs may or may not be wrapped around the underlying skeleton structure. Multiple springs or pairs of springs may be coupled together using a sheet metal connector.

Abstract: A hinged panel mount and mounting system advantageously provides wind relief to panels that would otherwise provide an uplifting force that could damage or otherwise stress an underlying building or structure, wherein threshold winds (which at least overcome the weight of the panel and any friction in the hinge) cause the panel to swing in a path permitted by the hinge to reduce such uplifting forces.

Abstract: Upon automatically detecting a predetermined event (such as, but not limited to, detecting a particular end user of the self-storage facility, public-safety personnel, or other authorized person), these teachings provide for responsively automatically identifying a particular one of the self-storage units and then automatically controlling lighting at the self-storage facility to uniquely denote a particular path, from amongst a plurality of candidate paths, to thereby direct the person to the identified self-storage unit.

Abstract: The disclosure depicts a high-strength yet lightweight material composed of interconnected struts that typically form a tetrahedral lattice structure.

Abstract: A seismic isolation apparatus features damping characteristics equivalent to or better than prior art, without burdening the environment. In this seismic isolation apparatus, a cylindrical cavity portion is formed at the middle of an outer side laminated body, which has a form in which respective pluralities of resiliently deformable rubber rings and metal rings for maintaining rigidity are alternately laminated. A helically formed coil spring is disposed in this cavity portion so as to be snugly fitted. An inner side laminated body, which has a form in which respective pluralities of resiliently deformable rubber plates and metal plates for maintaining rigidity are alternately laminated, is disposed at an inner peripheral side of the coil spring.

Abstract: A highly protective vented firewall (28) is supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. Vent openings (35) are provided to enable flow of cooling air through the firewall during normal operating conditions. A heat-activatable means (35) automatically closes the vents should a fire occur.

Abstract: An inundation prevention for electric power equipment, which has transformers or terminals with a casing and is located on a stand provided on the roadside or underground, using pneumatic pressure, includes an inundation detecting unit for determining whether or not the electric power equipment is inundated and a pressure generating unit for supplying compressed gas to the inside of a limited around the electric power equipment according to a determination result of the inundation detecting unit, so as to raise the pressure in the limited space.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: A gutter member includes an inlet operatively coupled to a gutter trough. The inlet is configured to receive matter such as water and non-water matter from the gutter trough. The gutter member further includes an outlet operatively coupled to a top of a downspout. The outlet is configured to pass water to the downspout. The gutter member further includes a reservoir configured to collect non-water matter. The reservoir is located between the inlet and the outlet and is lower than the gutter trough relative to the earth. The reservoir includes an exit port door configured to move between a first position in which a substantial amount of the non-water matter is retained in the reservoir and a second position in which the non-water matter is released from the reservoir.

Abstract: Characteristics of a multi-layer structure are detected, such as for detecting mechanical and/or corrosive damage of the multi-layer structure. In an example embodiment, an integrated in-situ sensor device senses characteristics of a multi-layer structure during operation thereof. The device includes a mechanical coupler and a sensor circuit. The mechanical coupler couples layers of the multi-layer structure together via an opening traversing the multi-layer structure. The sensor circuit inserts into the opening with the mechanical coupler, and induces an electrical response in a portion of the multi-layer structure adjacent the opening. This induced electrical response is indicative of characteristics of the multi-layer structure, and is sensed to provide a signal characterizing characteristics of the multi-layer structure.

Abstract: In order to provide an intelligent building having specific rooms in which relatively less wealthy persons may use, and meeting the demands for specific rooms and privacy for the general public at the same time, by optimizing the space efficiency.

Abstract: A fire stop assembly for bordering a conduit access through a building separation, includes a rigid body portion with an access opening with the access opening being adjustably closed to define a conduit fitting opening within the access opening. The remainder of the access opening is adjustably closed by a fire block arrangement comprising a lining of intumescent material on opposite sides of a conduit fitting opening and a series of non intumescent flame retardant members cooperating with the lining of intumescent material to close the remainder of said access opening. Preferably the non-intumescent flame retardant members are a series of plastic sleeves filled with mineral wool or other suitable insulation material. The sleeves and fill material are removable to adjust the opening size. The sleeves serve to protect the insulation material during the normal life of the fire stop assembly until a fire condition occurs.