Abstract: A lightweight plastic foam construction element (1), for use in making shower stalls, bathroom partitions and the like, consists of a plastic foam core (4) with at least one external mortar layer (8) reinforced with fibers. The construction element has wall areas that are reinforced with at least one adhered wall component of more rigid material for the attachment of installation components that extend over the outer surface on an operational, working side of the construction element. The wall components (11) are inserted into a groove (10) cut into the working side, and the groove is sealed on the working side using a foam filler element (12).

Abstract: A first load bearing component is adapted to provide load bearing strength when the modular building block is used in a building panel. A second load bearing component is coupled to the first load bearing component via a first coupling arrangement and is adapted to provide load bearing strength when the modular building block is used in the building panel. A building services component is positioned between the first load bearing component and the second load bearing component for providing a conduit for at least one building service. The first and second load bearing components and the building services component are adapted to be configurable in a plurality of positions relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing pre-insulated structural panels is disclosed that has a tongue and groove assembly arrangement. Each panel may include one or more c-channels or profiles embedded in expandable polystyrene (EPS) foam to provide structural integrity to the panels, and resulting wall. The panels may be covered with siding, stucco, or similar materials. A chase may be formed horizontally in the panels to provide a wiring conduit through the panel. The panel may also provide when assembled, a vertical chase formed between the mated panels along the length of the panel for wiring. Acoustical properties may be formed in the surface of the EPS portions to provided added acoustical damping measures.

Abstract: A raised floor pedestal including a base configured to sit on a floor; and a post extending up from the base. The post includes a metal member having a general tube shape. A top of the post forms a support surface configured to support a portion of a raised floor system thereon. A side of the post includes an integrally formed ground conductor connector piece extending therefrom. The ground conductor connector piece is configured to have an electrical ground conductor connected directly thereto.

Abstract: An enclosed structure, such as a patio enclosure, sunroom, or solarium, is attachable to the exterior wall of a building, has a high proportion of windows and a roof, and constructed from a framework of composite members and insulating wall panels, the panels and wall members being extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability.

Abstract: A roof panel system assembled from roof panels comprising a panel portion bounded along a support edge by a support element and along an opposed cover edge by a cover element. The cover element adapted to rest upon and provide resilient sealing and locking engagement with the support element of an adjacent panel. The support element adapted to provide resilient support and locking engagement with the cover element of a second adjacent panel. In an embodiment a panel cover is provided for shielding an upper surface of the panel portion and adapted to inter-fit and lock with engaged support element and cover element pairs along the support element and the cover element of the panel when the panel is engaged with adjacent panels when assembled. In an embodiment contoured insulated panels are provided as a base to support the panels. The contours providing passageways to allow the transport of air beneath the panels when assembled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to building elements (A) for building of framings of joists or walls. Each building element consists of trapezoid thin sheet here called profile plate (1) completed by wooden bars (2), see FIG. Ia. Alternatively the wooden bars (2) may be replaced by any other corresponding material. In this application the wooden bars (2) or when these have been replaced for the purpose by any other material are called connectors (D). In FIGS. Ib, Ic, 2b, 2c and 4b, 4c the connectors (D) consist of metal bars (2?) respectively metal plates (2?) in stead of wooden bars (2). The object of the building elements (A) is to form support for fastening of layer materials (3) according to FIG. 5b, alternatively bars (4) according to FIG. 5c, alternatively boards (5) according to FIG. 5a or in combination of these (3, 4, 5) e g according to FIG. 5d in order to form a frame for load support perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile plates (1), see FIGS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated service pod comprising: a central framework adapted to accommodate at least one utility means, said utility means being selected from: an electricity supply, a telecommunications/data supply, a water supply, a waste fluid drainage conduit, and a ventilation supply; and at least two sections attached to said framework selected from: a kitchen section, a bathroom section, and a staircase section. The present invention also describes a method of constructing a building using a prefabricated service pod.

Abstract: A facility is described that includes one or more enclosures defining an interior space, a plurality of power taps, a plurality of coolant supply taps, and a plurality of coolant return taps. A flow capacity of the supply taps and a flow capacity of the return taps can be approximately equal over a local area of the interior space. The plurality of power taps, the plurality of supply taps, and the plurality of return taps can be divided into a plurality of zones, with taps of each zone are configured to be controllably coupled to a power source or a coolant source independently of the taps of other zones. The taps can be positioned along paths, and paths of the power taps can be spaced from associated proximate paths of supply and return taps by a substantially uniform distance along a substantial length of the first path.

Abstract: The present invention relates a novel adaptor to position tiles or tile-like elements within or around a bathing apparatus, or both. The present invention further includes a method of using the tile adaptor for the installation of tiles. In a representative embodiment, the tile adaptor includes one or more flanges along at least one of its sides to allow the installation of tiles of a variety of thicknesses at a number of places. The adaptor is integrated in the final bathing apparatus. One or more adaptors may be positioned on the floor, wall and/or ceiling of the bathing apparatus, depending on the design of the bathing enclosure. Advantageously, the tile adaptor is easy to install and to use, and it may conveniently be manufactured from a lightweight material such as extruded plastic or a synthetic polymer.

Abstract: A modular work station including a plurality of modular walls, each of which include a plurality of modular wall sections having a first and second lower frame member forming a lower frame section width and a lower frame section height. At least one lower panel element is included having a lower panel width configured to conform to the lower frame section width and is mounted to the frame members. An air collection unit is included which has an air intake width approximately equal to the lower panel width such that it may be mounted to any of the plurality of modular wall sections in place of the lower panel element.

Abstract: Designed for office interior environments and layouts, there is provided a module wall system that comprises a module having a number of cavities and opposite cavities. The modules may include board plates, lateral plates, cover plates, and internal rails that are built to accommodate cables and utilities. The internal rails may be posted throughout the length of such modules and may interconnect with columns. The cavities may have cover plates positioned conveniently to form a structural, functional and decorative composition. The modules are interconnected, structured and fixed with the columns, which can be posted vertically and sitting on feet, to provide better stability. The columns are hollow and fitted with removable column cover for access to wiring or complementary accommodation of decorative objects. Modules may form various convenient work areas or cubicle layouts with functional and aesthetic environments.

Abstract: Wall and floor structures of a building each comprise a base layer comprising prefabricated panels with grooved inner faces and a covering layer disposed over the panels to cooperate with walls of the grooves to define channels extending along the panels. Selected grooves contain in-floor heating elements and electrical wiring and routing components. A prefabricated corner panel is formed by notching out an oversized channel in the same type of panel, bending the panel along the channel and filling a remaining gap at the so-formed corner bend with a higher r-value insulation than the rest of the panel. Wall and floor panels are joined by a connector having a C-shaped portion that caps exterior floor panel edges and an integral projecting portion inserted into a slot formed in the wall panel's insulating layer at a bottom edge of the floor panel.

Abstract: A nondestructive retrofit fire sprinkler protection system including a sprinkler fitting with a unique shape that inserts behind a wall surface and that securely connects a sprinkler head emerging from a wall location to preferably concealed sprinkler piping located in a room at a point where the ceiling surface meets a wall surfaces. In addition, a room coupler fitting is adapted to be inserted between wall structures to connect sprinkler piping in adjacent rooms.

Abstract: Work crews temporarily operating in remote areas can be subject to dangers such as tornados, hurricanes and explosive blast waves. A re-deployable aboveground protective shelter suitable for use in such environments utilizes retractable stabilizing arms and/or passive valved ductwork to resist uplift, overturning and sliding. Because the protective shelter does not rely upon excessive weight to counter wind forces, the protective shelter can be quickly, easily and inexpensively redeployed to new sites.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

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: A data center is contained within a building which includes protection from vandalism, high winds, earthquake, and storms. Circulated water within the building is used for cooling or fire suppression. Explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building are protected against by the construction components of the building containing the data center.

Abstract: A utility floorbox for use with ice covered floors which is constructed with a housing or frame having a cover and a sealing member therebetween so that access can be obtained to the interior of the floorbox for accessing the utilities therein. The floorbox is water tight, so that it does not interfere with utility applications, such as electrical applications. A cover is provided with the floorbox and is designed to withstand heavy loads which may be imposed on the floor by utility trucks, or the like.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes integrated wiring conduits within an associated curtain wall unit.

Abstract: A UL compliant power generating system is integrated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and integrated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade, and are adapted to be UL compliant.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes other power generating system components—including control units and associated power/signal wiring—within the façade.

Abstract: An energy conversion device is adapted to be housed within a unitized curtain wall unit as part of an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The device can be a photovoltaic module that includes grounding and isolation elements within the curtain wall unit.

Abstract: A wire harness for preventing water from contacting capped, connected electrical wires. A lid and a base define an interior chamber. The base has fingers extending vertically upwardly for holding wire caps and connected electrical wires therein. A shelf protrudes from the inner surface of each finger to provide a platform for the bottom edge of the wire cap to seat against, securing the wire cap against downward movement. The sidewalls of the lid extend a predetermined distance below the shelves of the fingers to form a rim that creates a double air trap within the harness for preventing water from contacting the conductive portions of the wires.

Abstract: A wire management system and method for protecting wires originating from roof-mountable photovoltaic panels, including system components made up of base support (s), an elongated tray and an elongated cap or cover piece. The base supports are mountable to the roof, the elongated tray fits within the base supports, and the cap or cover piece overlies the tray and interlocks with the base supports. Wires from the photovoltaic panels are threaded within the base supports, through the tray, and protected by the cover piece.

Abstract: A thermally-enhanced, insulated component for use with an HVAC system includes a component having an outer surface usable with an HVAC system, the component being substantially filled with an insulating material. A thin, dimensionally stable layer of thermal barrier material having opposed surfaces is disposed inside the component at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the component. The thermal barrier layer is in contact with the insulating material on at least one surface of the opposed surfaces. When the outer surface of the component is subjected to an elevated temperature, the thermal barrier layer maintains a sufficient temperature differential between the surface of the opposed surfaces of the thermal barrier layer facing opposite the outer surface and the surface of the opposed surfaces of the thermal barrier layer facing the outer surface so that the insulating material produces a reduced rate of smoke.

Abstract: A modular in-wall medical services unit for medical care facilities. A housing is supported inside the wall. The housing is divided longitudinally into front and rear chambers. The service outlet cabinet and gas conduits are mounted in the front chamber. The rear chamber is divided into multiple raceways for the electrical wires. The top of the housing is above the ceiling, and a junction box is mounted on the front of the housing near the top so that it extends beyond the wallboard and above the ceiling. This allows the wallboard to be installed around the cabinet and the junction box before or after gas and electrical connections are completed. Because there are no external wiring conduits, the unit is easier to ship. Additionally, the narrow footprint allows the unit to be placed adjacent another structure in the wall or in a corner, increasing the placement choices in the room.

Abstract: A floor tile has a top surface, a lower surface substantially parallel to the top surface, and at least one base mount extending along the lower surface of the floor tile at at least one respective mounting angle. A panel can be selectively mounted in a base mount of the floor tile and configured such that a mounted panel projects from the lower surface at a projection angle. An air handling system employing a plurality of the tiles enables formation of baffles in a plenum below mounted tiles by arranging the mounted panel edges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-channel raceway system with a raceway and a fitting component. The raceway includes a base with a bottom and sidewalls that define a channel and a divider wall positioned within the channel. The fitting component includes a base with a bottom and sidewalls that define a channel and a plurality of sets of raised projections. The fitting component also includes a fitting divider wall positioned within the channel of the fitting component. The fitting divider wall includes at least one positioning tab along the bottom of the fitting divider wall for engaging the raised projections extending from the fitting base to secure the fitting divider wall to the fitting base.

Abstract: An underfloor distribution system, includes a first module having a main body; an end closure and a cover. The end closure and the cover are removably mounted to the main body, and the first module is adapted to be removably mounted to a second module.

Abstract: An enclosure is made out of transparent or translucent panes which form a chamber (1) through which a liquid flows in closed circuit and which interchanges energy with the inner and outer environments, a heat exchanger (2) in contact with the liquid, a circulation pump (3), and a hydrostatic pressure reducer device (4). The hydrostatic pressure reducer device allows the reduction of the thicknesses of the transparent panes which hold the liquid inside. The active character of the enclosure is due to its capacity of controlling the solar heat load and the illumination. The solar heat load is regulated through the heat exchanger. The illumination of the building is controlled through the adjustable transparency of the liquid. The described enclosure allows the creation of an isothermal envelope which allows the climatization of the building. The system can be used for active outer enclosures or for interior partitions for the climatization and luminic control, as well as for glass roofs or false ceilings.

Abstract: A modular pod assembly capable of being readily assembled and disassembled for transportation includes a plurality of modular panels and a plurality of connectors. Each said modular panel includes a rigid and substantially planar structure delimited along one or more edges by respective coupling portions, each coupling portion formed to define a plurality of preconfigured access points for receiving respective connectors. Multiple connectors are provided to securely fasten a coupling portion of a given modular panel to a coupling portion of another adjacent modular panel at a selected access point. The plurality of modular panels may be provided in an assembled state to include at least one top panel, bottom panel, and a plurality of respective side walls, all securely fastened together at respective coupling portions with the plurality of connectors to form an integrated enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating firestopping barrier in a partition, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling, that is mounted adjacent the opening includes a housing containing a central opening. The cross-sectional area of the housing is greater than the cross-sectional area of the through-penetration opening, and the housing is arranged external to the through-penetration opening with at least a portion thereof extending along a surface of the partition thereby to allow the housing to be installed adjacent the through-penetration opening. Firestop material is arranged within the housing.

Abstract: A cooling system for an electrical device includes a receptacle unit having a main opening with an inner chamber, a cooling unit operably associated with the electrical device arranged in the chamber of the receptacle unit, intake and exhaust openings arranged between the electronic device and the receptacle unit, an intake path extending from the intake opening to the cooling unit via the chamber of the receptacle unit and an exhaust path extending from the cooling unit to the exhaust opening via the inner space of the receptacle unit.

Abstract: A method for cable management in an electronics enclosure is disclosed. The method involves extruding at least one length of material that forms a cable guide having a plurality of partitions defined by one or more cable dividers and two end clip flanges, where the end clip flanges each have at least one snap guide and at least one locking clip channel. The method further involves sizing at least one cable guide assembly from the length of material, based on a predetermined length for the cable guide assembly, and preparing one or more ends of the at least one cable guide assembly.

Abstract: Connectors for joining adjacent modular floor covering units. Embodiments of the connectors include a film and an adhesive layer coated on one side of the film. The connectors can have a conductive component that allows electrical continuity to be maintained between adjacent tiles. In yet another embodiment, the connectors can be equipped as radio frequency identification tags by including radio frequency transponders. To install tiles using the connectors, a first tile is placed on the floor and a connector is positioned so that the adhesive layer faces upward and does not contact the floor. The connector is typically positioned so that only a portion of the adhesive layer adheres to the underside of the tile, leaving the remainder of the connector extending from the underside of the tile. One or more tiles are then positioned adjacent the first tile so that a portion of the connector adheres to the adjacent tiles. In this way, the connectors span adjacent tile edges.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support and a plurality of columns extends between the floor support and the roof support, the plurality of columns including a “C” channel. A plurality of vertical structures extends between the floor support and the roof support, the vertical structures including a “C” channel. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support and a plurality of columns extends between the floor support and the roof support, the plurality of columns including a “C” channel. The prefabricated structure further comprises a plurality of panels including an “L” channel extending from a side, the “L” channels receivable within the “C” channels so that the panels can be associated with the shell or the extension to form an outer wall.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming corners of the shell frame. A flange extends from at least one of the columns. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming at least one corner of the extension frame. An outer lip is associated with at least one column of the extension farthest from the shell when the extension is deployed. An inner lip is associated with at least one column of the extension closest to the shell when the extension is deployed. The flange provides a first pocket for receiving the outer lip when the extension is seated within the shell and a second pocket receives the inner lip when the extension is deployed from the shell.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension deployable from the shell, the extension including an extension frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support. The prefabricated structure further comprises a floor panel connected with the shell by a hinge to provide a floor for the extension, wherein the floor panel is undeployed when the extension is held in place within the shell by the extension, and wherein as the extension is deployed, the floor panel pivots at the hinge and the extension guides the floor panel to a deployed position.

Abstract: A prefabricated structure having improved stability comprises a shell including a shell frame. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a ballast device including one or more ballast tanks provided in the floor support, and an extension deployable from the shell.

Abstract: A system of cooperating prefabricated structures arranged in a complementary layout comprises a set of prefabricated structures having substantially the same dimensions. The set of prefabricated structures each include a shell and an extension deployed out from a nested position within the shell. A first deck extends from a first shell. A second deck extends from a second deck, wherein the first prefabricated structure is arranged opposite the second prefabricated structure so that the first deck abuts the second deck. A third deck extends from a third shell, wherein the third prefabricated structure is arranged transverse to the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure so that the third deck abuts and extends along the width of the first prefabricated structure and the second prefabricated structure.

Abstract: A floor panel for a raised access floor system, including a shallow metal pan with a bottom wall and a shallow upwardly-opening compartment. The bottom wall has a plurality of first hollow projections projecting upwardly therefrom, which projections adjacent upper ends thereof having sidewardly projecting rib structure. The bottom wall also has a plurality of microfeatures which project upwardly through a lesser extent. The number of microfeatures is substantially greater than the number of projections. The pan side walls and bottom wall are free of openings therethrough. A mass of solidified concrete fills the compartment. The floor panel is supported on a pedestal having a base which has clamping and mounting features integrated thereon for engaging grounding wires and cable management members.

Abstract: A conduit adapter system enables routing of conduit through one or more structural members of width W with minimal weakening of the structural member or members, and includes a first section of conventional round conduit on one side of the structural member or members, and a second piece of round conduit on an opposite side of the structural member or members, and a bridge conduit section of sufficient length to pass through the structural member or members, the bridge conduit section having a symmetrical cross-section with a first dimension significantly less than a second dimension, and an area at least as large as the area of the round conduit sections.

Abstract: A panel, in particular floor panel, having a support board made of glued and compressed fiber material to which a termination layer is applied in each case on a top side and an underside, and the termination layer of the top side has a structured surface, and to a process for producing such a panel or such a support board. The object of the invention is to provide a panel or a support board comprising binders and fillers and also a process for producing the same, by means of which surface-structured panels can be produced more quickly and cost-effectively. This object is achieved in that the density on the top side of the support board is lower than the density of the support board on the underside.

Abstract: A non-metallic electrical box, composed of a hard and durable plastic material, molded and shaped into a housing of two sections, that when installed onto a wall stud, becomes a receptacle for installing an electrical switch, outlet or other electrical device in the first section, and the second section, being that part of the box that attaches to the stud, becomes a cavity or channel by which other unrelated wiring can pass through the box along the center line of the stud in a neat and more efficient and direct manner, as opposed to the currently acceptable practice of looping the wires around the box.

Abstract: There is provided a flashing panel mount adapted for an air conditioning unit which is located about an exterior of a building. The panel mount features a generally rigid panel that is attachable to the building. The panel mount further features a hood member which extends outward from the panel. A plurality of panel apertures is formed through the hood member and is configured to extend through the panel. Each of the panel apertures are sized and configured to accommodate a respective one of the air conditioning lines extending from within the building.

Abstract: Device including flexible main sheet, two fold regions, and two flexible flap sheets. Main sheet has first and second opposite sides and edge surrounding sides. Fold regions are located along two spaced-apart portions of edge. Each flap sheet has first and second opposite sides. Flap sheets are integrated with main sheet at fold regions. Flap sheets are configured for being bent toward first side of main sheet. Main sheet is configured for being bent to move fold regions toward each other, while retaining bias for moving fold regions away from each other. Apparatus including trough and device. Trough includes base member integrated with two spaced-apart wall members forming side walls in trough. One side of each flap sheet in contact with a side wall. Main sheet is bent with fold regions at least partially positioned toward each other, and configured for retaining bias for moving fold regions away from each other. Methods also provided.

Abstract: A system, device and method for plugging core holes. A core hole plug includes a top compression plate, a bottom compression plate and a rubber expansion ring that separates the top and bottom compression plates. A beveled screw hole can be created on the top compression plate. The beveled screw hole matches the angle of bottom surface of the head of a flat head bolt to ensure that the bolt remains flush with the top compression plate. The rubber expansion ring can be squeezed between the top and bottom compression plates as the flat head bolt is screwed into a threaded receiver nut formed on the bottom compression plate. An installation tool can be utilized to install the core hole plug so that the top compression plate remains flush with an existing floor surface.

Abstract: A drop access location system and method, where the system includes a duct containing one or more communications lines, where the duct is mountable to a generally flat surface. The system also includes a drop access box including a base and a removable cover having a low impact profile and or decorative appearance. A mounting section of the base is configured to fit over an outer shape of the duct and overhang therefrom. Slack storage is provided and includes one or more guides to route an accessed communications line to a coupling and to store excess amounts of the accessed communications line. The coupling device mounting area is configured to receive a coupling, adapter, or splice that connects the accessed communications line to a drop cable. The drop access location system and method can be utilized for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit (MDU), multi-tenant unit (MTU) and other building applications. A system for installing the drop access location system is also provided.

Abstract: A moisture control system for a straw bale core wall having an air pathway from the foundation of the wall to its bond beam permitting air to be pumped into the wall at the foundation level and up through the core of the wall into a plenum space at the top of the wall and out through one or more vents into the atmosphere.