Abstract: A structure of a combinative interlocking board containing vertical and horizontal pipes is disclosed. The piping within the board divides the board into a middle region and two side regions, and the middle region is a piping passage for conduits and the piping connectors, and is provided with an actuating opening, the two side regions is conduits for screws in vertical and horizontal direction. The four corners of the board are provided with opening for the mounting of an interlocking plate allowing screws to pass through so as to lock the boards with each other. The decorative panels mounted to the board can be replaced.

Abstract: A system, device and method are claimed for installing electrical switches and electrical plug connectors in a wall, without the use of junction boxes. The system uses prefabricated switch assemblies and/or receptacle assemblies. These assemblies contain either a switch or a receptacle that is manufactured into a housing. On the rear of the housing are one or two protrusions. Wire connector ports are disposed within the areas defined by the protrusions. The wire connector ports are coupled to either the switch or receptacle within the housing. To install an assembly, at least one hole is drilled into a wall and a cable run through the hole. The wires from the cable are stripped and inserted into the wire connector ports within the protrusion on the rear of the assembly. The protrusion is then inserted into the hole in the wall and the assembly is mounted flush on the face of the wall.

Abstract: A raceway system is disclosed. The raceway system includes a base cap mountable to a top surface of an office furniture panel, at least one horizontal raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, at least one corner raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, and a cover securable to the base cap. The base cap has at least one aperture for wiring to pass therethrough. The corner raceway section has a channel extending axially therethrough, and the corner raceway section allows the wiring to pass vertically through the aperture and the channel.

Abstract: A utility distribution apparatus comprises an inner wall removably mounted on an outer wall within a building structure. The inner and outer walls create a chase for air flow. A floor surface forms a generally closed corner with the outer wall. The inner wall is spaced apart from, and above the floor. One or more horizontally oriented utility conduits are supported from the floor surface or the outer wall and are positioned below the chase. A utility cover is fixed to the inner wall and extends to the floor surface for hiding the utility conduits. A lower and an upper apertures in the outer wall are positioned for receiving and expelling an air flow through the chase.

Abstract: The invention relates to ion channel arrays, method of producing such an array, including the primer sets and kits comprising the ion channel array. The invention also relates to a subset of methods for the evaluation of ion channel expression profiles using the ion channel array such as expression profile of a certain biological material, several biological materials and to identify therapeutic, prophylactic and/or toxic agents involved either directly or indirectly in the response of the ion channel expression.

Abstract: A wall structure includes at least two studs that are designed to support panels front and back, and end caps or raceway channel defining members on the leading and trailing edges of the panel wall structure. Each of the studs includes sets of oppositely arranged flanges that in turn cooperate with marginal edges of both the panels and the raceway defining members. Cross bracing is provided to allow wiring either within the enclosed space between the panels, or more preferably in the wireways defined in the raceway members so that the power and data communication conductors can be isolated from one another. The feature of the panel structure is that the panels themselves can support light fixtures or other lightweight electrical devices, and heavier electrical devices or units can be accommodated from the cross bracing or from shelves secured to the cross bracing and to the studs.

Abstract: A utility interface system is disclosed for use in a work environment of the type having a floor system. The floor system may be of a type having an access opening and an upper surface. A compartment is configured within the access opening and has a cover. A module is adapted to be received within the compartment. The module can be stowed or concealed within the compartment while not in use and removed from the compartment for use.

Abstract: A wall member (10) that may be used with similar constructed wall members to form a retaining wall or similar type of structure. The wall member (10) is at least partly formed of cast concrete and is transported to the location at which it is to be installed. The wall member (10) has an elongated base (11) from which there upwardly extends a wall portion (12). The member has end faces (13) between which one or more passages (17) extend provide for the ducting of services through the wall member (10).

Abstract: A support and method supports a tool and a raised floor using a single integrated support. The portion of the support supporting the raised floor may have an adjustable height, allowing the portion to be adjusted to the height and optionally the angle of the raised floor.

Abstract: A housing 5 with a cable access aperture 9 for electrical and data wiring, is slidably fitted into a panel rail 1 with one or more apertures for use in a office panel system, the cable access aperture 9 of the housing then aligned with an aperture in the panel slide, said housing 5 being held in its position by a fastening means 11, the aligned apertures allowing the passage of electrical and data wires.

Abstract: A swivel joint apparatus for supplying utilities to a rotating building rotatable about a central axis has an inner, fixed spindle for securing to a fixed base of the building to extend co-axially with a central axis of rotation of the building, and an outer casing rotatably mounted on the spindle for securing to the rotatable part of the building. The spindle has a series of spaced annular flanges defining a series of annular chambers and at least one ring seal mounted on the peripheral edge of each flange for rotatable sealing engagement with the outer casing so that the casing forms an outer wall of each of the annular chambers. A lower end wall of the spindle has a plurality of ports for connection to fixed utility lines in the base for fluid supply to and from the building, each port connected through the spindle to a respective annular chamber.

Abstract: A straddle bin for an office furniture system with walls comprised of modular partitions. The straddle bin provides two adjacent compartments extending through an office partition with one compartment open to a first side of the partition only and the other compartment open to a second side of the partition only, and with sliding doors on each side of the partition to close the compartment opening on that side and when open, to lie over a blind, closed rear end of the adjacent compartment. The straddle bin provides private compartments for users on both sides of the partition.

Abstract: An intumescent firestopping apparatus used in poke-through applications for selectively sealing an opening through a construction barrier such as a wall, floor or ceiling having cables or other penetrating members extending therethrough. The apparatus effectively seals this barrier responsive to a fire to prevent unwanted transmission of fire through conventional construction barrier areas. The apparatus includes a sleeve with two intumescent pads positioned therein. At least one of the pads has an arcuate curved central section to be biased against the other intumescent pad to define therebetween a confinement area for holding of cables centrally located therein in a dynamically adjustable sealing throat defined therebetween. These pads can be variously mounted with respect to the adjacent wall structures and one or both of the pads can be arched toward the other pad to facilitate defining of the dynamic throat for receiving cables extending therethrough.

Abstract: A modular compressed natural gas station, including a modular compact unit with a flat supporting surface, lateral walls and a detachable roof. At least two different areas are defined inside the modular compact unit: a first anti-explosive area where a set of gas storage vessels and a compressor unit are lodged and a second area where an engine for driving said compressor unit and a measuring bridge unit are arranged. The station is capable of being transported and includes connectors for receiving gas from the general gas pipeline and connector for gas dispenser units. The second area also includes a measuring bridge unit for controlling variables of the station and an electrical switching board.

Abstract: An improvement on an elevated floor structure is disclosed. The invention allows various wiring or piping to be hidden between a floor and an elevated floor, wherein the elevated floor includes a plurality of supporting frames and a cover board having its four-corner covering on every four of the supporting frames. A fiber-type positioning-device is placed between the supporting frames and the cover board such that when the cover board is covered on the supporting frames, the cover board is fixed in position by the fiber-type positioning-device. The invention can facilitate the construction work of the elevated floor since the cover board is already in a fixed position on the supporting frames, and no further positioning work is needed when the supporting frames and the cover board are finally fastened together.

Abstract: A ceiling tile transmitter and receiver system having at least one transmitter/receiver device located in a ceiling panel either during or after the ceiling panel fabrication process. In one embodiment one or more pockets of variable size and shape are created on a surface of the ceiling panel during or after the ceiling panel manufacturing process and then a transmitter/receiver device, such as an RF antenna, is inserted in the pocket. In another embodiment, the transmitter/receiver device is embedded in the front side (lower surface) of the ceiling tile and a “scrim” covering is placed over it to secure it in place. The transmitter/receiver device can also be embedded inside the ceiling tile or on an upper, lower or side surface of the ceiling tile. Various combinations of these embodiments can be used with a single ceiling tile.

Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.

Abstract: A raised floor system which includes a plurality of cable support apparatus are disclosed which cable support apparatus include first and second stringer elements and channel sections suspended from the first and second stringer elements. Each of the stringer elements is preferably adapted for removable engagement with at least two of the support pedestals of the raised floor system. The channel sections preferably include a plurality of transverse support members extending from the first stringer element to the second stringer element and at least one engagement member extending longitudinally therefrom. The engagement members are configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of an adjacent cable support apparatus in the raised floor system.

Abstract: For houses and other buildings in remote locations, which are not serviced with mains (municipal) utilities, a module includes the electric generator, water supply, sewage disposal, etc facilities. The module and its utilities are constructed, assembled, and installed into a room-structure, in a factory, whereby the whole module can be tested prior to shipping. The physical and structural integration of the components and systems permits and enhances functional and operational integration of the systems. The module uses co-generation, heat exchangers, etc, for coordinating the hitherto-separate utility systems.

Abstract: A modular tile and modular tile system is disclosed. The modular tile includes a base structure having a generally horizontal portion. Floor support members are positioned on a bottom surface of the generally horizontal portion. Upper column members extend above the horizontal portion of the modular tile. A cover is supported by the upper column members a distance above the horizontal portion thereby creating a chamber between the horizontal portion and the cover. The chamber is adapted to receive cabling therein.

Abstract: This invention titled “Can Shield” is an apparatus consisting of a semi-permanent (removable for maintenance purposes) modular wall(s) or monument(s) of sufficient height and breadth to shield from public view unsightly utility equipment. Pre-manufactured off-site this device is transported to the site and erected on site with equipments and materials provided as a package. Prior to this patent application, this merchandise has been available to the consumer only as expensive “construct on the premises” manufactured goods and only as a permanent structure.

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: A method and apparatus for mounting a water heater on the roof of a building or at another location outside of the building. A roof curb surrounds a hole in the roof, and a base member is mounted to the roof curb. Alternatively, the base member is mounted on a concrete pad at ground level. A water tank is mounted to the base member with the longitudinal axis of the water tank extending horizontally. Support rails are mounted to the base member, and wedge-shaped supports are mounted to the support rails. The wedge-shaped supports are interconnected with tank mounted brackets that are mounted to the sides of the water tank. Thermally insulated spacers are interposed between the wedge-shaped supports and the tank mounting brackets.

Abstract: A raised floor system which includes a plurality of upright support columns, a plurality of floor panels, and a cable tray support assembly. The cable tray support assembly includes a plurality of support pedestals and a platform section. Each support pedestal has an elongated stringer member, a first upright sleeve member, and a second upright sleeve member. Each first and second sleeve member defines a bore extending from a top end through a bottom end. The stringer member is attached to the sleeve members proximate the respective top ends of the first and second sleeve members so that the elongated stringer member is supported above the respective bottom ends of the first and second sleeve members. At least one of the first and second sleeve members of each first support pedestal is removably connected, in overlying registration, to the body portion of one support column of a pair of support columns. One platform section is suspended from the stringer members of a pair of opposing first support pedestals.

Abstract: A sound-insulating floor structure, which can conspicuously reduce heavy floor impact sounds, is provided. The sound-insulating floor structure includes a floor base and an underfloor member. A plurality of sound-insulating floor members are arranged between the floor base and the underfloor member, and each of the sound-insulating floor members includes a plurality of impact-absorbing members and a support member supporting the impact-absorbing members. The impact-absorbing members are provided at at least one of upper and lower faces of the support member. Each of the sound-insulating floor members is fixed to the floor base or to the underfloor member, thereby supporting the underfloor member.

Abstract: The presently disclosed cable support apparatus for raised floor systems includes a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of floor panels structured and arranged to be mounted and supported directly on said plurality of support pedestals, first and second mounting brackets, and a channel section depending from the first and second mounting brackets, wherein the cable support apparatus is structured and arranged to support lengths of cable thereon. The cable support apparatus including each of the first and second mounting brackets having a horizontally disposed surface, a first pair of vertical side portions depending from the horizontally disposed surface, the pair of vertical side portions having a predetermined height; and a second pair of vertical side wall portions being shorter in height than the first pair of vertical side portions and depending from the horizontally disposed surface at each end of the mounting brackets.

Abstract: According to the invention, vacuum pumping systems are integrated in the intermediate space between a supporting slab and a clean room false floor formed from a juxtaposition of false floor tiles held by posts resting on the supporting slab. A platform, whose size is greater than the floor space requirement of the vacuum pumping system to be integrated, and substantially equal to that of a false floor tile, is held away from the supporting slab by feet resting on the supporting slab. Thus part of the space underneath the vacuum pumping systems is freed, for the free passage of cables and ducts. Simultaneously the vacuum pumping system is isolated with respect to the false floor, in order to avoid the transmission of vibrations.

Abstract: In order to provide designs of corner and junction assemblies for service provision ducting which are simple to construct and do not require a large number of components, there is provided an internal angle cover part 22, 28, 31, an external angle cover part 21 and a straight wall cover part 36. These can be combined together to form a flat bend (FIG. 4), a cross-over (FIG. 5) or a flat T (FIG. 6). Each cover part comprises a cover surface 22, 23, 28, 35 which extends up to, but no further than the centre line of the respective section of service provision ducting.

Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.

Abstract: A straddle bin for an office furniture system with walls comprised of modular partitions. The straddle bin provides two adjacent compartments extending through an office partition with one compartment open to a first side of the partition only and the other compartment open to a second side of the partition only, and with sliding doors on each side of the partition to close the compartment opening on that side and when open, to lie over a blind, closed rear end of the adjacent compartment. The straddle bin provides private compartments for users on both sides of the partition.

Abstract: An environmental detection system is particularly suited for elevator hoistways and other locations where access is difficult or restricted. The inventive system comprises a fire rated access cage which is disposed within the hoistway in a desired location, and is securely attached to an associated access panel, which is fire protection rated and positioned to extend through a wall defining the hoistway. An environmental sensing device, such as a smoke detector or heat sensor, is secured within the cage so that it is disposed within the hoistway, and can freely detect any smoke or excessive heat present in the hoistway because of a large number of apertures in the walls of the cage. The resultant system, thus, is constructed so that authorized personnel can access the environmental sensing unit conveniently through the access panel door from an adjacent hallway or room to test or maintain it, without shutting down the associated elevator or compromising the effectiveness of the unit.

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: In the floor base panel (40), an area on the support board (33) of the vibration proof support leg (30) is formed solid, and in the other area, a plurality of cavities (41) extending in the parallel direction to the floor surface are formed. Thereby, because the vibration energy propagated from the impact point of the floor base panel (40) is reflected on the boundary between the cavity formation area and the sold area, and repeatedly passes the cavity formation area, it is attenuated in a short time, and the vibration energy or sound energy transmitted to a slab (20) can be reduced.

Abstract: A wall cornice located at least partially around the periphery of walls of a room which cornice is so formed as to receive and carry wiring and other materials and is provided with ducting means which can be connected to a power supply in the cornice and carry wiring materials for said power supply from the cornice to a required position on the wall beneath the cornice thereby removing the need for fixed power outlets in a room. The cornice therefor can carry all electrical wiring and cabling required within a room.

Abstract: A metal plate (11) for protecting plumbing pipes and plastic electrical conduits (13) from being pierced by a nail or screw when the wall covering is attached. Said plate is a generally flat rectangular metal plate (11) having metal tabs (12) for aligning said plate on concrete foundation form boards (10) and metal prongs (13) which act as nails to hold said plate in position until concrete (15) is poured. The concrete (15) flows around the concrete gripping prongs (14) where said concrete (15) bonds thereby locking said plate (11) permanently in place.

Abstract: A method of permanently mounting an electrical box block in a concrete block wall. The electrical box block preferably includes three generally rectangular metal members, four vertical spacer members and two horizontal metal members. The first rectangular metal member and the second rectangular metal member preferably have equal dimensions. A first pair of vertical spacer members is secured between the first and second rectangular metal plate member in a manner to create at least one reinforcing bar and cement receiving cavity between the first and second metal members. The two of the vertical spacer members and the two horizontal metal members are attached to the third rectangular metal member to form an electrical housing or box.

Abstract: An external utilities manager is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. The posts include outwardly protruding flanges which extend along the length of the posts. The external utilities manager includes a vertical raceway having a hollow interior configured to route utilities therealong, and an enclosed exterior disposed between the flanges of an associated post, and extending therealong to an open upper end. A horizontal raceway is positioned adjacent to and extends along the side face of an associated beam, and includes an interior configured to route utilities therealong. One end of the horizontal raceway is positioned adjacent to and communicates with the upper end of the vertical raceway to route utilities throughout the furniture system.

Abstract: A system for building at least one electrical device into a wiring conduit whose depth is less than the depth of the device includes at least one support which can be fixed in the conduit and receives the electrical device(s) so that a front face of the device or each device is flush with a front face of the conduit via an opening formed in corresponding relationship therein. The system further includes at least one pattress which is passed through an opening formed in corresponding relationship to it in the bottom of the conduit to form therein a recess for accommodating a rear part of the device. The pattress is separate from the support and has its own means for fixing it to the conduit.

Abstract: An inner accessible commutering enterprise structure is interfaced with one or more workplace, vehicle or home commutering centers, providing extended battery life for wireless devices with enhanced commutering capabilities for using the enhanced power of commutering devices within the inner accessible commutering enterprise structure. An enterprise interlaced integrated fiber, broadband fiber, electronic, and electrical power network comprising an enterprise communications and computing network of conductors, electronic, electrical and mechanical devices, components, appliances, and equipment is accommodated in the interstitial spaces of the ceilings, walls, partitions, columns, and floors of the wired and wireless inner accessible commutering enterprise structure.

Abstract: A wire cable duct includes a grid made up of wires of two different types, namely longitudinal wires which run longitudinally the entire length of the duct and U-shaped transverse wires disposed transversely to the longitudinal wires, from place to place along their length and appropriately attached thereto. The resulting trough-like combination forms three panels, namely a bottom panel and two side panels. The side panels include a longitudinal row of successive planar and substantially rectangular edge meshes which constitute upper parts of the side panels, each of which is defined between two facing flange portions of two consecutive transverse wires, and each of which includes at least one anti-flexing member to limit its flexing about an axis perpendicular to its plane.

Abstract: A flooring assembly consists essentially of a stable sub-flooring and a flooring applied thereon over a wide area with at least one floor element for insertion into a gap in the flooring at substantially the same level having different properties than the flooring. In order to avoid retroactive work on the sub-flooring, a placement aid is provided for in the form of a casing whose inner contour approximately corresponds to that of the floor element and whose outer contour to that of the gap and whose height corresponds approximately to the thickness of the flooring and which is mounted to the sub-flooring structure in a similar manner as the flooring. The casing has a lid which can be removed, after placement and flush fitting of the flooring to the casing, for insertion of the floor elements.

Abstract: A modular raised floor system includes rectangular floor panels, each of which has four hollow projections that define a cross-shaped groove. Each adjacent pair of the panels are locked together by a positioning member, which is disposed in two of the grooves and which is formed with two fixed posts that are inserted into two holes in the pair of the panels. A plurality of long and short cover strips are bolted on L-shaped strip-supporting surfaces of the projections, and are located on a horizontal plane. Each of the long cover strips extends on a row of the floor panels, and has cable holes for passage of cables. Each of the short cover strips extends on one or two floor panels. The long and short cover strips are arranged in a net shape so as to cover entirely the grooves.

Abstract: A utility distribution apparatus comprises an inner wall removably mounted on an outer wall within a building structure. The inner and outer walls create a chase for air flow. A floor surface forms a generally closed corner with the outer wall. The inner wall is spaced apart from, and above the floor. One or more horizontally oriented utility conduits are supported from the floor surface or the outer wall and are positioned below the chase. A utility cover is fixed to the inner wall and extends to the floor surface for hiding the utility conduits. A lower and an upper apertures in the outer wall are positioned for receiving and expelling an air flow through the chase.

Abstract: A wall system and particularly a load-bearing spine wall defined by rigidly connected spine panels which are usable in conjunction with and connectable to branch panels for defining workstations. These spine panels include an interior frame having plural hollow cross beams rigidly joined between parallel uprights. The cross beams have elongate slots extending lengthwise along the sidewalls thereof. Each side of the frame permits one or more removable covering tiles to be attached thereto for defining the exterior surface of the spine panel. Load-bearing components having cantilevered hangers can be engaged within the elongate slots which extend lengthwise of the cross beams. Vertically adjacent tiles have longitudinal edges spaced to define a narrow elongate passage therebetween which aligns with the mouth of a respectively adjacent hanger-accommodating slot.

Abstract: The invention is a new support for raised floors with adjustable height, comprising a cylindrical base element, threaded on the inside, for resting on the laying surface, an intermediate element or extension, threaded at top and bottom, and a top element with a concave top housing a swinging cap with diaphragms, on which the flat elements of the raised floor rest. This new support makes it possible to construct perfectly flat and continuous raised floors even in presence of considerable differences in level or slopes of the laying surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an engineered closed wall system that includes one or more preinstalled conduits installed during fabrication of the closed wall system and an associated box that is positioned to intersect the preinstalled conduit at a standard connection port of the box and in a predetermined location. The location of the conduit and/or box can vary according to job-specific requirements. Advantageously, the conduit can be installed equidistant from the first and second outward layers. Specific boxes, and any ring extensions mounted to the boxes, can be sized to flexibly mount from either outward layer and still be substantially flush with the face of the outward layer and still intersect the conduit at a standard connection port provided on the box.

Abstract: An adjustable support rack for supporting firestop material in a through-penetration includes a frame sized to fit within the through-penetration, at least one adjustable support member movably connected with the frame for supporting the firestop material, and an adjustable mounting mechanism connected with the frame for securing the frame within the through-penetration. A method of fire stopping the through-penetration using the adjustable support rack is also described.

Abstract: A seal structure for sealing between a through hole and a conduit located in the through hole. The seal structure includes a conduit located in the through hole and a foaming material. A wire is inserted in the conduit. The foaming material is located between the outer surface of the conduit and the inner surface of the through hole. The foaming material expands when heated and seals the space between the outer surface of the conduit and the inner surface of the through hole. Both ends of the conduit are sealed with a fireproof material between the inner surface of the conduit and the outer surface of the wire.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a board (6) having a lower surface (2) in which arcuate grooves (3) are formed. Grooves (3) are arranged in a grid, having points of intersection (5). Each groove (3) extends from one edge of the board to the opposite edge of the board. The grooves serve to enable the passage of electrical wire which might be used for telephones, computers, hi-fi systems or other applications. The system makes such cabling unobtrusive and is particularly suitable where access to an under floor area is limited or non-existent.

Abstract: A cable raceway for carrying cables, e.g., fiber optic cables, across interior or exterior spaces is disclosed. The cable raceway includes a series of support channels and a plurality of main channels, each main channel being disposed in an overlaying relationship between successive pairs of support channels. An elongated slot is formed through end portions of the main channels, and bolts pass through spacers attached to the support channels and disposed in the elongated slots. The cable raceway also includes a plurality of covers set over respective channel members. Each cover includes a top portion; a pair of opposing sides extending downward perpendicularly from the top portion; and, a pair of steps formed on inner surfaces of respective sides adjacent to the top portion, thereby extending longitudinally along the length of the cover.