Abstract: Blast-resistant foundations are presented that can be used to support a tower, a building, a building supporting a tower, and a tower supporting a building. These foundations can be transported to an installation site and rapidly deployed. They are comprised of one or more precast foundation blocks that do not penetrate the ground beneath them, do not require adjacent foundation blocks to be bound to one-another at their sides with interconnecting steel, and do not require the buildings and/or towers they support to use guy-wires. They can include protected cavities that contain utility equipment and supplies, and they can include conduits from these cavities that can be extended upward through one or more legs of a tower.

Abstract: A support system is provided and includes first and second raised floor tiles, a ramp and sheeting. The ramp includes first and second edges and is disposable with the first edge adjacent to the first raised floor tile and the second edge adjacent to the second raised floor tile. The ramp has a substantially similar thickness as the first raised floor tile at the first edge and a different thickness from the second raised floor tile at the second edge. The sheeting is disposable on the second raised floor tile to abut the second edge of the ramp and has a thickness such that a combined thickness of the sheeting and the second raised floor tile is substantially similar to the thickness of the ramp at the second edge.

Abstract: A roof batten integrally-formed of plastic with spaced, generally parallel upper and lower surfaces and a series of struts connecting the upper and lower surfaces, to form chambers permitting the fluid passage from the back edge to the front edge of the batten when it is affixed generally horizontally along a roof surface.

Abstract: Blast-resistant foundations are presented that can be used to support a tower, a building, a building supporting a tower, and a tower supporting a building. These foundations can be transported to an installation site and rapidly deployed. They are comprised of one or more precast foundation blocks that do not penetrate the ground beneath them, do not require adjacent foundation blocks to be bound to one-another at their sides with interconnecting steel, and do not require the buildings and/or towers they support to use guy-wires. They can include protected cavities that contain utility equipment and supplies, and they can include conduits from these cavities that can be extended upward through one or more legs of a tower.

Abstract: A wall block includes two finished wall material layers attached to a frame where the tops of the wall blocks are configured to support other wall blocks. Exterior wall blocks for constructing exterior walls include an interior wall material layer and an exterior wall material layer. Interior wall blocks include interior wall material layers on both vertical sides of the frame. Walls are formed by stacking and gluing the prefabricated wall blocks and vertically aligning the wall blocks in an offset or in a vertical configuration to form a stack bond, running bond, or offset running bond wall configuration. The interior wall material layers and exterior wall material layers do not require further finishing after a wall is assembled thereby greatly reducing labor costs.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.

Abstract: An interconnecting alignment and support system for supporting and maintaining alignment of at least one conduit or pipe is disclosed. The system may be used, for example, during a concrete pour operation or other construction operation. The system comprises a base spacer and, optionally, one or more of an intermediate spacer and/or another base spacer. The base spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and the top. The intermediate spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and both the top and bottom. The interlocks on the spacers may be releasably latched when fully interlocked. By interlocking the spacers, a matrix structure for aligning and supporting conduit or pipe may be created. The base spacer is attachable to a surface, so that the alignment and support system may be fixed in place.

Abstract: An aircraft heated floor panel (10) comprising a heat-generating layer (20) including an electric heater (52) having current supply lines (54) and a controller (60) which controls the current supplied to the heater (52) via the supply lines (54) to thereby control the heat generated by the layer (20). The controller (60) is integrated into the floor panel (10) whereby the panel has a stand-alone control system which need only be connected to the on-board power source of the aircraft, but can be connected to a main controller for networking or other purposes.

Abstract: A curtain wall including an extruded aluminum sill having a first channel for receiving a glazed panel, a sill anchor/access portion for securing the sill to a poured concrete slab or slab wall, and toward the interior side of the sill, a wireway is defined in part by the sill and in part by a wireway cover for concealing power and/or data/telecommunication cables. The wireway cover may also include outlet devices or plugs arranged in a longitudinally spaced relationship.

Abstract: The present invention uses insulating concrete forms (ICF) in the construction of residential buildings. An entire wall panel is formed from polystyrene panels that may be cut by a hot wire machine. If necessary, hat channel shaped metal may be inserted into hat channel slots. Columns of polystyrene are removed so that concrete posts may be poured therein after the wall panel has been secured into place with rebar being located therein. Rebar and concrete also are formed along the top of the wall panel. Electrical and plumbing connection pathways are provided in the wall panel at the time of cutting with hot wire. Each wall panel is separately designed and cut by hot wire while still at the factory, but are all connected together to form an ICF residence. Openings are provided for doors and windows and are buck framed. Hat channels are inserted as necessary for strength and/or connection thereto.

Abstract: A prefabricated insulation wall panel for construction of a wall includes two elongated studs, each having a planar web section and inner and outer flanges, one or more insulation boards vertically disposed between the two studs, and one or more reinforcing mesh fastened to the flanges of the elongated studs on inner, outer or both sides of the wall panel. The reinforcing mesh has a preformed overhang section extending laterally beyond the elongated stud. The web section includes multiple through-holes spaced apart vertically, closer to the inner flange than to the outer flange. The insulation board is thinner than the width of the wed section, disposed with its inner surface against inner flanges of the studs and two side edges covering the through-holes on the web section of the stud, thus establishing a distance between the outer surface of the insulation board and the outer flanges of the studs.

Abstract: A load-bearing member such as a beam, column, girder or post comprises an elongated body defining a rigid structure for bearing a load. A hollow fastener extends through the body from a first side of the body to a second side of the body. The hollow fastener, which may be a hollow bolt, nail, lag screw or threaded shaft, defines a passageway through the load-bearing member for insertion of a cable, wire, tube or pipe. This obviates the need to drill the beam or column, which can compromise its structural integrity.

Abstract: A precast composite flooring system utilizes girders and floor panels having steel lower structures placed in tension and concrete upper structures places in compression. Openings through a stem wall allow ducts, pipes, and conduits to be run therethrough. The system provides reduced weight over conventional precast or pour in place systems, allowing further reduction in the weight and size of other building components. The floor deck does not use tensioning strands, allowing openings to be formed at nearly any stage of construction and with reduced concern over cutting steel reinforcement. The floor panels and girders bolt together and bolt to a steel column frame, allowing for more efficient assembly.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing panel system for reinforcing a structure against lateral or shear and uplift loads. The system includes a structural reinforcing panel which is installed between the studs in a wall of the structure. The panel is connected to the foundation of the structure and the sill or header. Two or more panels may be connected together at a corner, within a wall, ceiling or floor. The roof rafters of the structure may be attached to a top plate bracket mounted to the sill plate, which may also be connected to one or more structural reinforcing panels, provides uplift load support for the structure. For structures built on piers, a pier mount bracket provides a linkage to one or more structural reinforcing panels.

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: Blast-resistant foundations are presented that can be used to support a tower, a building, a building supporting a tower, and a tower supporting a building. These foundations can be transported to an installation site and rapidly deployed. They are comprised of one or more precast foundation blocks that do not penetrate the ground beneath them, do not require adjacent foundation blocks to be bound to one-another at their sides with interconnecting steel, and do not require the buildings and/or towers they support to use guy-wires. They can include protected cavities that contain utility equipment and supplies, and they can include conduits from these cavities that can be extended upward through one or more legs of a tower.

Abstract: Prefabricated insulation wall panels for construction of a concrete wall include two elongated studs, each having a planar web section and inner and outer flanges, and one or two insulation boards vertically disposed between the two studs. The web section includes multiple through-holes spaced apart in the body portion of the stud, disposed off center in a transverse direction and closer to the inner flange than to the outer flange. The insulation board is thinner than the width of the wed section. The inner surface of the insulation board is disposed against the inner flanges of the studs, with two side edges of the insulation board covering the through-holes on the web section of each stud, thus establishing a distance between the outer surface of the insulation board and the outer flanges of the studs through the body portion of the studs.

Abstract: A modular free standing structure and an adjustable footing configured to support the modular free standing structure are described. The structural footing comprises a support member having a support surface configured to provide vertical support to one or more modular platform structures, a base member, and an adjustable leveling mechanism disposed between the support member and the base member, and configured to level adjoining modular platform structures by adjusting a height of the support member relative to the base member about a vertical axis of the structural footing.

Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.

Abstract: A deck system is made by joining deck units, each having a hat-shaped profile fastened to the topside of a profiled bottom panel. The bottom panel has nestable or interlocking side laps and one or more “dove-tail” shaped recesses formed therein. These recesses, which may be concave upward or downward, give the deck unit additional strength as a defined, confined location for use to run conduit and to provide vertical support for vertical loads. The deck system may be combined with a layer of concrete for use as a floor or roof.

Abstract: A junction box is adapted for flush and straight mounting in a hollow core of a masonry block, without the use of debris or the like in the core. The junction box has a thickness along a pair of side walls thereof defined by a separation of a generally-open front face from a generally-closed rear face. The junction box has a resilient tail-like member that extending away from the rear face of the junction box. The tail-like member has first and second ends with at least one bend or curvature along an intermediate portion and a length such that, in a compressed state, the second end bears against a first inside wall of the hollow core and at least portions of the junction box front face bear against an opposing second inside wall of the hollow core.

Abstract: A modular patient room includes a plurality of modular wall panels or units having various configurations. In some embodiments, the modular wall units have at least one shelf and a flip-down work surface. The modular wall unit optionally may include an integrated computer monitor and a keyboard attached to the flip-down work surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural insulating core wall consists of spacer blocks with a tongue space and a groove space interlocking the spacer blocks between vertical metal support channels and the horizontal bracing channels forming a horizontal tongue and trough within the spacer blocks connecting the spacer blocks, vertical support channels and horizontal bracing channels together. Various types of horizontal bracing channels, support channels, couplings, hole shapes within the support channels and orientation of the various elements and the shape of the spacer blocks changes affect how the structural insulating core wall is used including the type of material the spacer blocks made of.

Abstract: A floor support structure is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, the support structure may include a surface, protrusions extending from the surface to form cavities between the protrusions, and openings adjacent to the protrusions to form pathways to the cavities. The support structure provides the openings and cavities to lay a cable in any desired configuration, in addition to the structure's established function to prevent a main floor from fracture or failure when an underlying subfloor shifts or settles. As such, the need for separate heating and support structures is eliminated.

Abstract: A power generating system is manufactured, integrated and operated within an exterior shell or façade of a building structure. The system components—energy generating devices (which can be photovoltaic), control units and associated power/signal wiring are incorporated and operated within individual unitized curtain wall units making up the façade including both in vision and spandrel areas.

Abstract: An unitized curtain wall unit houses energy conversion devices (such as photovoltaic modules), and includes integrated wiring conduits for routing signal and power cables within a building façade or exterior shell structures.

Abstract: Prefabricated, steel framed, rectangular building modules are joined in groups to form multi-unit residences, or commercial or institutional buildings. The modules are disposed in rectangular groups abutting one another so as to form a central rectangular core bounded by the units. Utilities are connected to each module through the core. Multiple story buildings are formed by similar groups having cores aligned vertically. Alternating stories are rotated relative to one another about the central core axis to produce cantilevered structures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a prefabricated panel and panel building system for use in construction of houses. The prefabricated building panel has a foam body with one or more apertures in which to position one or more studs or noggins, one or more channels in the upper and lower end walls to locate about top and bottom track members respectively, and side end walls that are shaped to join to adjacent panels. The panel is located and attached to the track members to cover the track members and the one or more studs or noggins members are positioned and substantially enclosed in the one or more apertures to provide a structurally integral panel for a building structure.

Abstract: An assembly type wall structure is disclosed. The assembly type wall structure may be used as a vertical wall in an interior space and includes a plurality of wall units. Each wall units together to form a wall and may connect this wall with the corresponding ceiling, walls and floor of the interior space. Hence, the assembly type wall structure may be used as a vertical wall in an interior space and has the advantages of fast and simple implementation.

Abstract: A raised floor with improved structure comprises a metal base, an adhesive layer, and a hard material layer. The metal base is provided with a space therein and has a top and a bottom. The top of the metal base is provided with a plurality of holes and the internal wall of each hole is a binding part. The bottom of the metal base is provided with a plurality of upward recessed parts. The adhesive layer is coated on the top of the metal base. The hard material layer is adhered onto the adhesive layer. After the hard material layer is adhered to the adhesive layer, part of the adhesive in the adhesive layer will be pressed into the holes and attach onto the binding parts. Consequently, it is able to enhance the binding ability of the adhesive layer, so that the hard material layer can be attached more firmly to the metal base.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a construction fastener configured to secure a utility box in a specified position within a wall. The construction fastener includes a front portion, a center portion, and an end portion. The end portion and center portion of the fastener are inserted through the utility box, with part of the end portion extending beyond the back surface of the utility box. The front portion thus rests across a front surface of the utility box. The end portion is secured against the back surface of the utility box and the position of the utility box within the wall is maintained.

Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.

Abstract: A mobile divider for an aircraft or an aircraft cabin with a first wall section, a second wall section that is essentially arranged parallel to the first wall section and a cable duct that is arranged between the first wall section and the second wall section. The cable duct protrudes over an edge of the first wall section and an edge of the second wall section in at least one location. This makes it possible to route a supply line such as, for example, an electric line in the cable duct within the divider and also in the transition region between the divider and, for example, a cabin supply channel such that the supply line is not visible to a passenger traveling in the cabin, particularly in the transition region from the mobile divider into the supply channel.

Abstract: A combined wall panel is composed of a plurality of main body boards.

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: In constructing a home, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped channel members are installed onto a floor structure. Wall sections are then set into the plurality of U-shaped channel members. The result is that the U-channel members locate the wall sections. Each wall section may be pre-fabricated with lines for service (e.g., electrical lines or plumbing conduit) running through it. After the wall sections are set in place, the lines for service may be interconnected. Cut-outs may be provided at the sides of the wall sections to provide access to the lines for service to allow their interconnection.

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, wherein header and post beams of the room wall assemblies are extruded from material having improved thermal characteristics and stability. Importantly, the beams enable wire services to be routed in concealed fashion from a power source associated with the building to accessible locations in the room and remote to the building. The header and post beams are configured to enable the wire services to be concealed but yet accessible for repair and routing through the header beams and into one or more post beams, as desired.

Abstract: A cable management system for managing electrical cables in a raised floor grid system is provided. The cable management system includes a cable enclosure including side walls and a base together defining an enclosure cavity. Each of the side walls defines a cable opening and a plurality of bracket openings in communication with the enclosure cavity. The cable management system also includes a sealing assembly installed in each of the cable openings, and a plurality of equipment brackets mountable to the sidewalls via the bracket openings, which are configured to enable mounting of the equipment brackets in vertical and angled orientations. The cable management system further includes a plurality of support brackets connectable to support structure of the raised floor grid system for supporting the cable enclosure on the support structure. The cable enclosure can be installed in the raised floor grid system by removing only a single floor tile.

Abstract: The present invention uses insulating concrete forms (ICF) in the construction of residential buildings. An entire wall panel is formed from polystyrene panels that may be cut by a hot wire machine. If necessary, hat channel shaped metal may be inserted into hat channel slots. Columns of polystyrene are removed so that concrete posts may be poured therein after the wall panel has been secured into place with rebar being located therein. Rebar and concrete also are formed along the top of the wall panel. Electrical and plumbing connection pathways are provided in the wall panel at the time of cutting with hot wire. Each wall panel is separately designed and cut by hot wire while still at the factory, but are all connected together to form an ICF residence. Openings are provided for doors and windows and are buck framed. Hat channels are inserted as necessary for strength and/or connection thereto.

Abstract: A construction component is described. The construction component may include: a) a permanent formwork constituted by a pair of separate semi-forms, facing each other and defining a hollow space between them; b) a construction setting material arranged inside the hollow space; and c) auxiliary installations, such as piping, wiring, or cabling. In one example, each semi-form includes a metal plate fitted with protuberances projecting from one side of the metal plate towards the construction setting material, and with slots housing the auxiliary installations. In another example, each semi-form includes a plastic plate, wherein one of the plastic plates is fitted with protuberances and the other plastic plate is fitted with slots. The example method may include arranging of the auxiliary installations in the slots; and arrangement of two semi-forms and subsequent filling with the construction material until it sets; and optionally connecting the systems and/or installing of the coating components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system for full size or toy/model size buildings. The basic structure is made of interconnectable panels, which are grouped into four main types: base panels, wall panels, ceiling panels, and roof panels. Each panel has a plurality of service conduits extending therethrough for passing all of the service requirements for the building, e.g. electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, vacuum etc, without having to cut or drill through the existing structure. Each vertical wall panel has upper and lower connector blocks for mating with the horizontal ceiling and base panels, respectively. The connector blocks also align the service conduits of the wall panel with the service conduits of the ceiling and base panels.

Abstract: This invention discloses a wood board connection structure with heat transfer function which comprises flooring heat transfer and wood board blocks. A main reinforcement of each flooring heat transfer exposes out from the surface of a wood board block, at least one salient is formed on the side wall of the main reinforcement, a groove which is matched with the main reinforcement and the salient is formed on the corresponding wood board block, and the block of each flooring heat transfer is provided with a hollow part. The salient is a salient with a hook part. A cushion block can be added between each two flooring heat transfer to be used for ventilation, and the flooring heat transfer can also regulate indoor temperature; the wood board block can generate thermal expansion along with temperature variation, and a gap between each two wood board block units on the surface of the wood board block can be small and big along with the temperature variation.

Abstract: A collapsible temporary housing system including a base, four walls being connected along each respective edge extending between at least two of the four corners, the walls being pivotally connected along the edges of the base so that when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration each wall is laid upon a previously collapsed wall creating a nearly horizontal surface extending across a top surface area of the base, and a flat roof, the flat roof being detached from the four walls while the four walls are pivoted into an erected position, secured to the walls once the walls are erected, and set upon the nearly horizontal surface when the walls are pivoted into a collapsible configuration, wherein a plurality of other temporary housing systems may be stacked where a lean of the stacked housing systems which could result in the stacked housing systems falling over is not present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in-floor radiant heating system having a tube that is received into low profile panels. Channels are formed in the top of the panels. The channels can have a neck shaped top section and a circular shaped bottom section. The bottom section has a diameter that is larger than the width of the top section. The diameter of the tubing is smaller than the diameter of the bottom section to ensure a snug fit. Flares can be located between the ends of the channels and the sides of the panel to allow the tube to bend and fit between adjacent panels that are offset up to a determined amount. A transition piece can be used to interface between a room with the in-floor system and one without. An installer can see the top of the tubing during the installation process.

Abstract: An interconnecting alignment and support system for supporting and maintaining alignment of at least one conduit or pipe is disclosed. The system may be used, for example, during a concrete pour operation or other construction operation. The system comprises a base spacer and, optionally, one or more of an intermediate spacer and/or another base spacer. The base spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and the top. The intermediate spacer is constructed to be capable of interlocking with another spacer on each side and both the top and bottom. The interlocks on the spacers may be releasably latched when fully interlocked. By interlocking the spacers, a matrix structure for aligning and supporting conduit or pipe may be created. The base spacer is attachable to a surface, so that the alignment and support system may be fixed in place.

Abstract: A rigid self-supporting hollow body (1) having large dimensions and intended for building constructions, wherein the body is of the type including a thin wall (4) having a generally cylindrical shape relative to an axis (5) and two end flanges (6) oriented towards the outside, defining an integral assembly having an inner hollow space (7) with two end openings (8), made of a coating and resistance material containing concrete or the like and reinforced with fibres. The flanges (6) include or define fastening elements (15) that enable, using fastening members (6), the rigid fastening on one and/or the other flanges (6) of the body, of an adjacent flange (6) of a second similar neighbouring body (1) and/or of a blocking wall (3) optionally including one or more openings (3a) so as to build constructions in a modular and flexible manner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for construction using modular units, such as wall panels, which have integrated utility service. One embodiment comprises a product including a modular construction panel and one or more utility fittings which are integral to the panel. The utility fittings may be for any type of utility service, such as electrical, plumbing, HVAC, computer network, phone or audio/video service. The fittings in the panels may be electrical wires or plumbing conduits. The panels may include connectors (e.g., quick-connect connectors) for coupling the utility fittings which are integral to the panel to service points such as wiring harnesses or water source pipes that are external to the panel and that provide utility service to the utility fittings. The panels may also include connectors for coupling the integral utility fittings to utility fixtures external the panel, such as light switches, electrical outlets, computer network jacks, phone jacks, faucets, drains, etc.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for capturing and harnessing energy from environmental wind which impinges the outer wall surfaces of a building. The system includes at least one elongated conduit disposed within an enclosure of a building, the conduit having first and second end portions opening to the building outer wall surfaces. A wind deflector mechanism is disposed at each of the first and second conduit end portions. Each such wind deflector mechanism is adapted to direct environmental wind, which impinges against the building outer wall surface proximate the end portion, into the conduit to provide bi-directional air flow passing through the conduit. At least one wind collector device is disposed within the conduit, and the wind collector has air impact elements mounted to a shaft. Each wind collector device is adapted to interact with the bi-directional air flow moving within the conduit originating from either first or second conduit end portions to rotate the wind collector shaft.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated service module suitable for use in a multi-story building, includes (a) a chassis dimensioned to be stacked with another pre-fabricated service module to match the floors of the multi-story building; (b) a waste and ventilation subassembly providing access to bathroom and kitchen waste rough-in plumbing and ventilation; (c) a water and electrical subassembly providing access to water and electrical supplies; and (d) a ducts and fan subassembly providing access to a heating and air circulation system.

Abstract: An electrical conduit encasement including a top section and bottom section secured together by mortar and adjacent encasements by mortar. A pair of vertically extending threaded rods suspend the concrete encasements with the rods extending through members attached to plates embededly attached to the encasements.