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: In one example, a data center may be built in modular components that may be pre-manufactured and separately deployable. Each modular component may provide functionality such as server capacity, cooling capacity, fire protection, resistance to electrical failure. Some components may be added to the data center by connecting them to the center's utility spine, and others may be added by connecting them to other components. The spine itself may be a modular component, so that spine capacity can be expanded or contracted by adding or removing spine modules. The various components may implement functions that are part of standards for various levels of reliability for data centers. Thus, the reliability level that a data center meets may be increased or decreased to fit the circumstances by adding or removing components.

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

Abstract: An insulating panel includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a body of insulating foam between the sheets. The foam has a plurality of longitudinally extending conduits through which a heat exchange medium such as air is circulated. A barrier is used to create an enlarged void space for air circulation. The barrier is located below profile crowns to prevent foam from entering the crowns and to create additional foam-free voids below the crown. Heat transfer efficiency is increased.

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: 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: A cover for a utility trench includes upper and lower surfaces enclosing a hollow cavity, which is subdivided by multiple, transverse channels recessed into an extending transversely across the lower surface. The channels form fused engagements or “kiss offs” with the upper surface, which increase the transverse rigidity of the cover for enhanced load-bearing capacity spanning across the opening formed by the trench. The hollow construction of the cover, which can comprise a suitable plastic, tends to minimize its weight A pair of flanges extend along respective sides of the cover and are bolted to the trench sidewall top edges in overlying relation. A pair of shoulders are formed inside the flanges and are adapted to extend into the trench with the cover positioned thereover. A method of manufacturing a utility trench cover includes rotary molding a hollow cover with kiss offs.

Abstract: A cable conduit system for a building frame structure having a bottom plate associated with each floor and a top plate associated with each ceiling. The system comprises a conduit stud and first and second header plates. The conduit stud has at least one cavity extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end. The first header plate is adapted to be fixedly mounted to an upper surface of the frame structure bottom plate and the second plate is adapted to be fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the frame structure top plate, respectively. The first end portion of the conduit stud is locked to the first header plate and the second end portion of the conduit stud is locked to the second header plate.

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: A seamless wall finishing system has a plurality of wall panels which are spaced apart from an exterior wall. The spacing creates an air gap which provides an airflow passage between the exterior wall and the second surface of the wall panels. The wall panels have a mold resistant non-organic thread or yarn wall covering which is adhered to a central portion of a first surface of each of the wall panels. The wall panels define a pair of uncovered areas on opposite sides of each of the plurality of wall panels. A vertically extending seam is created between adjacent wall panels which is filled with a seam tape made from the mold resistant nylon yarn wall covering. An air circulation system is provided for circulating air behind the wall panels. A method of assembling the modular basement wall finishing system is also provided.

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: 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: A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.

Abstract: A multilayer tile for flooring and the like has a cementitious top surface, a lower density intermediate layer preferably incorporating expanded polymeric beads mixed with cement, and a lower layer reinforced by tension-bearing fibers embedded therein. The interface between the top and middle insulative layers may be upwardly domed to reduce the tendency for cracks to form in the bottom surface of the top layer. Channels formed along the edges of such tiles allow insertion of heat transfer tubing to provide a hydronic floor surface. A composite tile may have cementitious top and bottom surfaces with an intermediate lower density layer there between. Such intermediate layer may be divided into two portions by a water impervious layer that serves as a binder and vapor barrier.

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 under-floor storage system provides extra storage space, and is intended for use in locations where tile floors are normally used, such as in kitchens and in bathrooms. The storage system provides for tiles that are the lids of sub-floor storage containers. In one embodiment, the removed tile lid provides access to the storage compartment. In another embodiment, the lid and the storage compartment are integral in normal configuration, but can be separated once removed from the floor.

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 invention relates to a concrete ceiling structure having a multi-layer design and comprising pre stressed elemental plates (10) for absorbing tensile stress, and at least one layer of cast-in-place concrete (50), especially reinforced concrete, arranged on the plates and used to absorb compressive stress. A pipe system (40) for the circulation of a fluid, especially air, is built into the structure, for heating or cooling. The pipes (40, 140, 240) are arranged in the cast-in-place concrete layer (50), above the elemental plates (10).

Abstract: A cable outlet element (101) for leading out a cable (106) that can be muted through a raceway arrangement (105) comprises a cable lead-in section (101), a raceway arrangement connection (102), a cable lead-out section (103) and a cable outlet connection (104). The raceway arrangement connection (102) can be connected to a raceway arrangement (105) such that a cable (106) that can be routed through the raceway arrangement (105) can be fed into the cable lead-in section (101). To jointly form a cable outlet aperture the cable outlet connection (104) can be connected to a cable outlet connection (111) of another cable outlet element (107) such that at the connected cable outlet connections (104,111) a cable (106) fed into the cable lead-in section (101) can be led out through the jointly formed cable outlet aperture.

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: A 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. Electrical power can be more advantageously generated from surface areas of building structures previously untapped for solar energy harvesting.

Abstract: A building module has an open-ended box structure and comprises a plurality of interconnected coaxial module segments. Each segment is moulded as an open-ended box structure from a composite material. The segments are held together by elongate tie bars that form part of a lifting frame and extend substantially along the length of the module. The lifting frame comprises end frames that are embedded in end segments of the modules and that are connected to each other by the tie bars.

Abstract: A heat exchanger panel for a surface of a room, the panel having plate-type heat exchanger elements and having a heat exchanger pipe. The heat exchanger elements include two main surfaces facing away from each other and a peripheral surface linking the main surfaces, a fiber mat and a thin plaster layer. The plaster layer adheres to the fiber mat and the heat exchanger pipe extends at least partially within the plaster layer. The pipe has at least two connections in the area of the peripheral surface.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for supporting a floor structure from a central structure is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of receptacles and a plurality of support members. Each of the receptacles may be located within a corner of an exterior perimeter of the central structure. Each of the receptacles may also at least partially define a cavity which may open to two different sides of the central structure. Each of the support members may be configured to pass through the cavity of at least one of the receptacles. Furthermore, each of the support members may be configured to be supported by at least one of the receptacles, and extend outward from two different sides of the central structure. The support members may further be configured to support the floor structure on two different sides of the central structure.

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: A system for arranging a plurality of conductors includes a guide assembly having a plurality of passage guides. Each of the plurality of passage guides are constructed to guide the passage of a conduit through the guide assembly. The guide assembly is securable to a substrate and constructed to organize individual conduits passing therethrough. The individual conduits communicate any one of a fluid, an electrical power, a hydraulic fluid, or the like through the guide assembly.

Abstract: A self-cleaning flooring system is provided that includes at least one module. The module comprises a drain pan, a plurality of discharge ports, and at least one side wall. The drain pan may have a ramp and a drain outlet. The ramp may slope downward towards the drain outlet. The discharge ports may be disposed about a periphery of the drain pan and may be directed towards the drain outlet to direct flushing fluid towards the drain outlet. The side wall may circumscribe a portion of the periphery of the drain pan and include a hollow passage and at least one fluid inlet. The fluid inlet may be in fluid communication with the hollow passage for delivering flushing fluid to the discharge ports.

Abstract: A wire distribution system comprises a support structure having a first wall terminating in a first flange and a second wall terminating in a second flange. The second flange may be spaced apart from the first flange and provide a web section formed therebetween. The web section has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface defines an abutment to a mating structure, such as a wall, door, or window. The inner surface further defines a part of an inner cavity, and further includes a conduit channel formed therein. The conduit channel has an at least one wall section extending into the inner cavity and further includes an open leg facing the mating structure. An aperture is formed in the support structure first side and is oriented substantially adjacent to the conduit channel. A receptacle extends into the aperture and defines an interior space.

Abstract: A modular flooring system that includes a plurality of interlocking floor panels arrangeable into a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, each interlocking floor panel includes tongues and grooves that allow adjacent ones of the panels to connect with one another by the mating of tongues and grooves. A locking mechanism can be provided to one or more of the floor panels for locking the connected panels together. In other embodiments, the modular flooring system includes either integrally formed conduit chases or separately formed conduit chases, or a combination of both.

Abstract: A wire basket for supporting cables includes a plurality of wire frames connected together in a side-by-side manner in forming a generally flat bottom and first and second opposed upraised end portions so as to form a generally U-shaped frame. Each wire frame is formed of a single closed section of wire includes at least one radial bend positioned at opposite ends of the wire frame. The wire frame may also include an extended mounting member attached to the frame such that a distal end of the mounting member is generally aligned with and extends beyond the bottom portion.

Abstract: A system for storing water in or under a concrete slab of the type in which one or more void forming elements are used to form one or more voids in the concrete slab. The system comprises one or more water storage means, such as pipes (12, 14, 26, 18 and 20) positioned in the one or more void forming elements (10) and at least one port (26) for supplying water to the one or more water storage means. The void forming elements may be boxes.

Abstract: A power module for an electrical busway is provided. The power module has a holder with an aperture provided therein and a number of posts provided thereon. A plug-in adapter is received within the aperture of the holder. The plug-in adapter has a number of electrical contacts that are structured to engage the electrical busway. A number of connection mechanisms are coupled to at least one of the number of posts. The connection mechanisms are structured to engage a base plate. A cover plate is provided with the holder and the connection mechanisms coupled thereto. The base plate and the cover plate define a power channel with the plug-in adapter and the connection mechanisms located within the power channel. A power module in combination with an electrical busway coupled to a base plate that is structured to be directly attached to a mounting surface is also provided.

Abstract: A connection mechanism for coupling a power module to an electrical busway is provided. The connection mechanism has a cam mechanism having a number of pivotable members. Each of the pivotable members has a generally horizontal extending shoulder portion that is coupled to a generally downwardly extending arm portion. A lower portion of the arm portion has a generally outwardly extending barb portion. The barb portion is structured to engage a barb of a base plate. A connection mechanism in combination with a power module for an electrical busway coupled to a base plate is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a one-piece corner duct that routes wires in a corner of an enclosure. The one-piece corner duct includes a back wall and sidewalls. The back wall has at least one co-extruded hinge that enables the back wall to pivot to allow the one-piece corner duct to conform to a corner of the enclosure. The sidewalls have a plurality of fingers that retain the wires in the corner duct. The fingers also maintain a cover on the one-piece corner duct to provide access to the wires therein.

Abstract: A structural channel system (100) includes a main structural channel rail (102), cross-channels (104) and cross-rails (106). A modular plug assembly (130) couples electrical power and communication signals to connector modules (132, 140, 144) which, in turn, control application of power to application devices (939, 969) based on the communication signals.

Abstract: A support module interconnects with other support modules to support a number of core elements for encapsulation within a concrete structure. The module has a planar frame defining first and second cutouts. Each cutout has an arc shape so that when modules are assembled, the cutouts of different modules define a circular aperture for closely receiving one of the core elements. Each cutout has a first peripheral arc portion and a concentric second arc portion larger than the first portion. The first portion provides an aperture of a first diameter, and upon removal of the first portion, the second portion provides an aperture of a larger second diameter. The frame having connection elements that to connect with other support modules to securely receive the core elements. The module may include a separately formed arcuate insert fastened to the cutout to provide a smaller aperture.

Abstract: Improved premolded foam billets and drop-in foam billet joints increase the R value in concrete panels.

Abstract: An adjustable mid-panel spillover fitting is disclosed. The fitting includes a base, a cover securable to the base, and a cover cap securable to the base and the cover. The base has a spillover side, and the cover has an opening on a side wall thereof for receiving the spillover side. The cover has a shelf extending toward the side wall, and the cover cap has a groove for receiving the shelf therein. The cover cap includes at least one latch on an inside surface thereof for securing the cover cap to the base in a plurality of predetermined positions, and the cover cap is adjustable between the plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: A steel-pipe sheet pile including a steel pipe and joints for coupling the steel pipe to another steel pipe and multiple steel pipes arranged in a building direction of a steel-pipe sheet pile wall, wherein the joints include a male joint and a female joint each made of an H-shaped steel-beam coupled at flange edges to the steel pipe, and wherein the male joint is slightly smaller in size relative to the female joint so that the male joint can be fitted in a space defined by flange inside surfaces and web surface of a female joint of a neighboring steel-pipe sheet pile. The steel-pipe sheet pile is a joined-steel-pipe sheet pile including multiple steel pipes integrally coupled to one another via H-shaped steel-beams as tying members of H-shaped transverse cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a concrete floor, particularly a temperable concrete floor, containing an upper side and an underside, containing first concrete-free spaces, particularly cavities, that comprise at least one first wall surface, particularly two, three, four or more wall surfaces, along at least one section, said at least one first wall surface being essentially planar, concave, convex or corrugated or denticulate and being aligned not essentially parallel or perpendicular to the underside and/or upper side of the concrete floor, and containing second concrete-free spaces, particularly second cavities, whereby the first concrete-free spaces, particularly two, three, four or a plurality of first concrete-free spaces, and the second concrete-free spaces are arranged in the concrete floor in alternating succession, at least in sections, and, in particular, connectible to one another or connected to one another, whereby said first concrete-free spaces have a larger maximum diameter in crossect

Abstract: A raceway system is disclosed. The raceway system includes a first office furniture panel and a second office furniture panel angularly positioned relative to the first office furniture panel, a base cap mountable to the first office furniture panel and the second office furniture panel, 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 method for casting hollow core concrete panels includes the use of raft connectors to hold a plurality of spaced foam billets in place during the manufacture to create panel or plank with spaced foam-filled cores. The panels include billets that form longitudinal voids that allows utilities to be run through the lengths of the concrete panels.

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 foldable heat radiation board includes a plurality of elongated and narrow plate-like members with fluid tube embedding grooves provided therein, and the plate-like members are combined with each other in a quadrangular plan configuration. Fluid tubes are embedded in the embedding grooves, and a heat radiation sheet is attached to the entire surface on the front surface side, while a back surface material is attached to the entire or partial surface on the back surface side. A plurality of contact portions in which the end portions of adjacent plate-like members contact each other are set as folding portions, and a fluid tube outlet opening portion in the end portion of one of the plate-like members and a fluid tube inlet opening portion in the end portion of the other of the plate-like members are provided so as not to oppose each other but to be shifted from each other, this portion being set as a fluid tube passage portion.

Abstract: A conduit system for laying cables along the floor of a passenger cabin of an aircraft includes longitudinal and transverse cable guide elements respectively forming cable channels, and cable branch junctions at intersections of the longitudinal and transverse guide elements. Each guide element includes a lower part secured to the cabin floor, and an upper part secured (e.g. snap fitted) onto the lower part to cover the cable channel. The cable branch junction includes a lower section secured to the floor and covered by an upper section, and allows the cables to continue straight through the junction or to be deflected by 90° or by 180°. With this arrangement, a greater number and greater diameter of cables can be laid out with a minimal installation effort. The components of the system are easily adaptable to any required installation layout, while providing a continuous covered protected enclosure for the cables.

Abstract: Rectangular floor panels fit together to define a raised floor capable of accommodating wires/cables in a space within a building. Orthogonally arranged wireways are defined in a molded plastic portion that provides passageways between these wireways, and support post or pillars receive a composite top panel. The plastic panel portion has removable segments to accommodate outlet device brackets made accessible through openings in the top panel. One version has a recessed center portion of the plastic panel that can be fitted with an insert to define a central wireway channel, or to receive a centrally located floor box and hinged access door. Another version has a somewhat larger recessed center cavity with a smaller removable segment that can be left in place to better support the top panel when left in place. Removal of this center support/segment allows access to the wireways for the wires/cables in the orthogonally arranged wireways.

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 hollow-core having a first and a second supporting edge to enable a supported floor field to be formed, and including a concrete bottom layer and a concrete top layer connected therewith, while in the bottom layer, from one supporting edge to the other supporting edge, a longitudinal reinforcement is provided. The bottom layer is made of thicker design than the top layer and dimensioned such that it can take up and transmit to the supporting edges the transverse forces, and if desired also the bending forces, expected and foreseen for the hollow-core slabs, so that without any constructional problems, slots extending down to the bottom layer can be provided in the hollow-core slab, for accommodating ducts therein after the rough structure phase. The provision of the slots can be done both at the time of fabricating the hollow-core slabs and on the building site, while filling of the slots can be done in the construction finishing phase with a less high-grade material than concrete.

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 raised flooring system and methods of forming components of such a system are disclosed. The present flooring system utilizes thin sheet metal, typically galvanized steel, to form a first strip having a plurality of pedestals formed in a spaced apart relation on the strip and connected via wings extending from the first strip to wings extending from a second strip, thereby forming an overall rectilinear, grid-like pattern of pedestals. The pedestals are used to maintain floor panels above a network of channels in which conduit, cables, hoses, pipe and other materials can be routed. The pedestals are punched and formed from strips of sheet metal and have an overall shape generally that of a tower supported by two legs that may have rounded edges for increased load-bearing capacity. The wings that are designed to interlock with corresponding wings from another strip may also be formed from the pedestal-bearing strips.