Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: A deck drain system may include a deck drain having an elongate tube which may be defined by a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion may include an arcuate shape. The top portion may be flat and include an opening. A removable top member may engage the opening formed in the top portion of the elongate tube. The removable top member may include a main body portion which includes a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots formed in the removable top member may include a spacing therebetween that is substantially similar to the spacing between the plurality of slots formed in the top portion. The removable top member may be removeably connected to the top portion of the elongate tube so that, when removed, an interior portion of the elongate tube is accessible.

Abstract: A subfloor drainage panel is provided for draining moisture from a floor. The subfloor drainage panel has an upper member, a lower member attached to the upper member, and an intermediate member located in the lower member. The lower member includes a plurality of first projections extending away from the upper member, a plurality of second projections extending toward the upper member, and at least one drain hole defined in the first projections. The first projections support the subfloor drainage panel on a surface. The intermediate member has a plurality of openings each configured to receive therethrough a portion of one of the second projections so as to contact and support the lower member. The lower member is configured to define a gap between a portion of the lower member and the surface, with the gap being configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A deck drain system may include a deck drain having an elongate tube which may be defined by a bottom portion and a top portion. The bottom portion may include an arcuate shape. The top portion may be flat and include an opening. A removable top member may engage the opening formed in the top portion of the elongate tube. The removable top member may include a main body portion which includes a plurality of slots. The plurality of slots formed in the removable top member may include a spacing therebetween that is substantially similar to the spacing between the plurality of slots formed in the top portion. The removable top member may be removeably connected to the top portion of the elongate tube so that, when removed, an interior portion of the elongate tube is accessible.

Abstract: A deck drainage system includes a first bracket. The first bracket has an elongate axis and a transverse axis substantially transverse to the elongate axis. A leg extends along the transverse axis. A first arm extends from the bracket, as does a second arm, where the second arm is substantially parallel to the first arm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat exchange conduit formed between pre-fabricated building panels and a daylighting section integral within pre-fabricated, structural panels. The daylighting section has the capability to take ceiling air (or air below free-standing arrays) and either return it to the building during heating months, reject the heat, or shunt it for other uses after being warmed through a dual pane glazing assembly with infrared rejection. During summer days, this allows for dramatic reduction in building cooling demand. Heat exchange surfaces within the conduit are thermally tied to the exterior components of the panels to allow heating by solar insolation or cooling to night sky or air. An advanced insulation system adds to thermal performance and sealed insulation cavities prevent moisture degradation of R-Values. Passage through the heat exchange conduit allows for active whole roof solar collection in spring/fall and night cooling capability during summer night operation.

Abstract: A responsive structural element including an elongate member having a first end and second end and defining a cross-section is provided. The structural element further includes a sensor, secured to the elongate member, for detecting at least one pre-selected indicator. Advantageously, the elongate member is responsive to the pre-selected indicator.

Abstract: Prefabricated exterior wall panel systems that incorporate one or more drainage features are disclosed. The drainage feature can include a channel formed in the panel body in fluid communication with an interior portion of the panel body and an opening in the front face of the panel. The drainage feature also can include a wedge having a sloped surface thereon on which the channel can be aligned. The exterior wall panel systems having these drainage features can be used in the exterior cladding of buildings and other structures.

Abstract: A spacer panel is incorporated into building walls to drain accumulated moisture from the wall structure. The spacer panel is formed with spacer members that project on opposing sides of a central planar web member. Each spacer member is formed independently and has a planar portion extending around the spacer member to provide a location for the insertion of apertures to allow moisture to pass from one side of the panel to the other. Each spacer member includes a planar surface that facilitates an application of adhesive for attachment of a barrier member thereto. The spacer members can be oriented in a herringbone pattern alternating on opposing sides of the central web member. The spacer members can be formed as a circular projection extending on one side of the central web with a truncated conical member projecting to the opposing side of the central web from the circular projection.

Abstract: A floating sub-floor system includes panel assemblies in which each panel assembly includes a surface panel and a base panel. A bottom side of the base panel includes a vent channel system which provides passageways for moisture to evaporate and/or flow under the sub-floor. The surface panel and the base panel are coupled together so that complementary ship lap and overlap joints are formed along the sides of each panel assembly. Methods of fabrication and installation are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for management of a roof having first and second decks covering an unconditioned space in a building and a peak, the system having a first channel extending from proximate a lower end of the first deck towards the peak and a second channel extending from proximate a lower end of the second deck towards the peak. The system further includes a router positioned proximate the peak, the router enabling air flowing to the peak from the first channel to be selectively routed to one of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face. The foam backing panel has alternating high density portions and low density portions. Fasteners used to attach the foam back panel to an exterior wall pass through the high density portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: A roof tile installation assembly having a plurality of battens, each having a front end portion and a back end portion, and defining a channel between the front end portion and the back end portion, and at least one roof tile having a front end and a back end, the back end having a downwardly protruding flange. In use, the plurality of battens are preferably arranged parallel to one another on a rooftop so that the front end portion of each batten is toward the eave of the rooftop and the back end portion of each batten is toward the peak of the rooftop, and each roof tile flange is preferably arranged to be received by a batten channel so that the roof tile is substantially constrained from moving forward or backward relative to the batten so that the front end of each roof tile is arranged to be supported by the next adjacent batten.

Abstract: A system for ventilating the cavity of a fixed or movable window or door construction of a building, the window or door having an upper sill or header and a low sill provided with weep holes and a pair of jamb elements, the system comprising a vent member operative associated with the upper sill portion, the vent member is in fluid communication with the upper sill at one end thereof and also with the interior of the building at an opposite end thereof, the vent member extends vertically above the upper sill a distance sufficient to vent pressure within the cavity to the interior of the building so that water is caused to be readily conveyed out of the weep holes regardless of any pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the building.

Abstract: A prefabricated roofing panel having an outer sheathing, rafters, insulation, and an interior ceiling material. The panel is configured to fit with other roofing panels to form the roof and ceiling structure of a building. Further the panel is ventilated. The roofing panel allows a building roof, insulation, and ceiling to be pre-fabricated in a shop and then quickly installed into a building.

Abstract: A retractable curtain system including a first curtain region, a motor assembly and a mounting arm assembly. The first curtain region is capable of substantially covering the at least one opening when in an unrolled configuration. The motor assembly operably is attached to the first curtain region for moving the first curtain region between the unrolled configuration and a rolled configuration. The mounting arm assembly includes at least one mounting arm for pivotally mounting the motor assembly with respect to the building.

Abstract: A sealed attic insulating and roof ventilating system has a receiver (lath) material attached to adjacent pairs of rafters and an insulation material secured to the lower surface of the receiver material. This arrangement creates an uninterrupted plenum between the receiver, rafters and roof decking through which air can circulate from the lower roof vents to the upper roof vents. The circulation of air through the plenum prevents moisture from accumulating or condensing under the roof decking and warping the decking, which ultimately leads to deterioration of the decking and failure of the roof covering. This air circulation also eliminates ice damming on the top surface of the roof covering.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exterior wall decorative foam panel made of foam and manufactured into a board, and plural decorative exterior wall panels are combined and mounted onto a surface of an interior wall. The exterior wall panel includes a decorative surface, a mounting surface, a plurality of drainage structures, a first embedding slot, a first embedding block, a second embedding slot and a second embedding block. The decorative surface and the mounting surface are disposed on both sides of the board respectively, and the drainage structures are connected adjacent to one another and protruded from the mounting surface. Each drainage structure includes a water collection part and a ditch part assembled into a substantially Y-shape for enhancing the overall strength and providing a good drainage effect.

Abstract: A decking system is made up of a variety of decking boards and other components are disclosed. In some aspects, the decking boards are connectable to each other so that adjacent boards will provide a water barrier and a drainage channel. Some versions of the boards may have a hollow region to accept the provision of heating elements or other accessory structures. A connector piece is disclosed in various embodiments span the gap between the butt ends of the boards to provide a water barrier at the butt ends of the boards. A gutter and downspout system is disclosed, as well as structures for protecting the ends or sides of the deck structure.

Abstract: A plate is provided that spans a space between a bleeder hole in a wall and a drainage trench in a floor adjacent the wall. The plate includes a base and a wall extension, substantially perpendicular to one another. The base extends from a point proximate to the wall to the trench where the base and the wall extensions are spaced apart from the floor and the wall, respectively.

Abstract: A building envelope assembly including a first structural wall frame, a flexible sheet, a drain assembly, and a seal. The flexible sheet is disposed along a surface of the first structural wall frame. The flexible sheet configured to transport moisture along two opposing surfaces. The flexible sheet includes an upper portion and a bottom portion having a moisture wicking sheet. The drain assembly is configured to receive moisture from the flexible sheet. The seal is attached to the bottom portion of the flexible sheet and is configured to prevent ingress of water, water vapor, and air toward the upper portion of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: An insulating construction panel having a top end, a bottom end, a first end, a second end, a front side and a rear side, the panel for constructing a single or multi-cavity concrete form. The panel includes regularly spaced coplanar passages extending through the panel from the top end toward the bottom end and at least one angular passage perpendicularly intersecting each coplanar passage at the top end and bottom end of the panel and extending toward and through at least a portion of the back end of the panel.

Abstract: A bi-surfaced raised access floor panel is provided. The panel is constructed with a cross-braced framework. A generally square plate is rigidly connected to an upper surface of the framework. The plate has four corner formations and is bisected symmetrically to define first and second halves. The first halve is substantially configured as a solid load bearing surface which is adapted to support a data processing server. The second halve includes a plurality of clear perforations capable of circulating an air flow as an element of a cold aisle forming installation in a data center.

Abstract: A roof assembly for covering a building includes a first structural layer coupled to the framework of the building, a second structural layer positioned above the first structural layer, and an insulating layer including a roof insulation panel positioned between the first and second structural layers. A ventilating purlin extends between and contacts the first and second structural layers along at least one edge of the roof insulation panel. The ventilating purlin transfers loads from the second structural layer to the first structural layer without using the insulating layer for structural support. The ventilating purlin also includes at least one ventilation opening positioned to enable air flow through the ventilating purlin into a ventilating layer of air space formed between the insulating layer and the second structural layer. Thus, the ventilating purlin permits full ventilation of the roof assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an insulation and ventilation system for a building envelope (e.g. a building wall and/or a building roof). The system includes: one or more interior building envelope layers; an insulation panel having an interior side abutting against at least one of the one or more interior building envelope layers and an exterior side having a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending grooves interspaced between a plurality of transversely spaced and continuously longitudinally extending protrusions; and one or more exterior building envelope layers located exterior to the insulation panel to provide a plurality of transversely localized venting channels defined at least in part by an interior surface of the one or more exterior building envelope layers and the grooves of the exterior side of the insulation panel.

Abstract: An element for thermal insulation of a building, which is provided for attachment to an exterior wall of the building on the outside. The element includes at least one duct which is surrounded by portions of the element on all sides except for in edge areas of the element. In one or more individual areas of the element the at least one duct extends towards an edge of the element such that, when the element is attached to the exterior wall, at least one connection of the at least one duct to the exterior wall is formed at at least one desired location, through which air can be guided into the building or out of the building.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face.

Abstract: A modular building panel and integrated duct system including at least one modular building panel. The modular building panel includes a panel frame defining a longitudinal, a transverse width, and a transverse height; first and second ducts including therein duct stiffeners being truss or zig-zag shaped; and a ribbed joist spanning between the first duct to the second duct along the transverse width. The modular building panel may be connected to a like modular building panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a drainage system of an exterior wall of a building comprising insulation having a rear face for contact with the exterior wall of the building and a drainage plane positioned on the rear face for removal of water from the exterior wall.

Abstract: Roof panels and roof panel assemblies, comprising roof panels and ridge beams, assemblies are disclosed for use in building construction. The roof panels and ridge beams comprise components formed of composite materials, and certain aspects of the invention include designs that provide for the absorption of solar heat and the promotion of hot air flow within the roof to heat the interior building or generate electricity, among other attributes.

Abstract: A roofing apparatus including an enclosure for containing roofing materials is provided. The enclosure is defined by a front panel, a rear panel assembly positioned at a predetermined distance from the front panel, side panels positioned at opposing ends of the front panel, and a base panel having a tail area. The front panel, the rear panel assembly, and the side panels extend upwardly from the base panel. The tail area extends beyond the rear panel assembly for receiving runoff. The rear panel assembly directs the runoff from the tail area of the base panel into the enclosure. The front panel includes orifices for releasing the runoff to a downslope roofing apparatus or for draining the runoff from the roof. The roofing apparatus precludes slippage of the roofing materials contained within the enclosure, and uplift of the roofing materials from the enclosure due to environmental conditions.

Abstract: An integrated solar module capable of being easily assembled for thermal solar application. The module includes a solar panel device having an aperture region and a backside region and a shaped thickness of material including a first side wall and a second side wall. The shaped thickness of material is characterized by a fire rating of at least A and has a mechanical strength to maintain a thickness free from penetration of moisture and a specific shape to couple with the backside region. Additionally, the module includes an air plenum provided between the backside region and the shaped thickness of material. The air plenum is configured to receive air flows from ambient via an intake region and guide the air flows toward an output region. The air flows are optionally let to pass through either or both of the first side wall and the second side wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a venting band with at least two side strips extending parallel to one another and a center strip. Parallel to the side strips extend venting bands formed by continuously connected walls or webs. The venting bands can therein have diverse forms. At least one venting channel is provided; however, it is also possible to provide several venting channels. Through the use of certain materials with restoring forces for the venting band, the at least one venting channel can open automatically during the rolling out of the venting band. However, it is also possible, to bring about an opening of the at least one venting channel by pulling on the side strips.

Abstract: An extruded synthetic deck panel includes an elongate plank portion having a plank portion top surface and a plank portion bottom surface, and a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side, the first and second sides extending lengthwise of the plank portion. A first engagement member extends laterally outwardly from the first side of the plank portion and lengthwise along the plank portion, the first engagement member including a plurality of first holes therethrough for drainage through the first engagement member, the first holes spaced apart lengthwise along the first engagement member. A second engagement member for inter-engaging with the first engagement member of an adjacent like deck panel extends laterally outwardly from the second side of the plank portion and lengthwise along the plank portion, the second engagement member comprising a fastening strip extending laterally away from the plank portion.

Abstract: An elongate channel insert configured for installation between elongate structural members to prevent water from flowing through an overlying structure into the area beneath the structural members includes a U-shaped hook on a first side of the insert that goes over the top and both sides of a joist, an L-shaped ledge on the other side of the channel insert prevents the inserts from becoming off center as they are placed side by side on joists across the entire width of a deck with the base of the insert angled along its length such that water captured within the channel will drain from one end of the insert to the other.

Abstract: One illustrative embodiment of a wall restoration system includes an air-handler and a wall structure assembly. The wall structure assembly can enclose a portion of a wet wall to form a passage through which air flows to dry the wall portion.

Abstract: Roofing elements of the shingle, tile or panel types are applied for mounting onto a roof of a building, as well as a roof covering comprised of such elements. The roofing elements include at least one heat-sensitive weatherproof, protective layer for protecting the building from weather-related intrusions. The roofing elements have one or more continuous venting channels disposed below the heat-sensitive weatherproof, protective layers to form one or more airflow channels beneath the protective layers, with the airflow channels disposed between a lower roof deck of a building and upper heat-sensitive, weatherproof, protective layers of the roofing elements in the installed condition on a roof.

Abstract: An energy supplying device for energy collection, energy transfer, energy release, cooling, and storing energy, is described. The device has an elongated cavity is produced by extrusion of a profile. The cavity provides space for a medium to circulate and is enclosed by a wall, floor or roof formation. This formation constitutes at least part of an actively supporting structure for direct or indirect mechanical support of loads, while at the same time forming at least one part of a structural element, for example, a house roof, a wall, a board, a bridge, a pier, a road, a pavement, a terrace or balcony and may be an I-, L-, O-, T-, U-, V-, X-, Y- or Z-beam.

Abstract: A system for waterproofing a basement or similar structure including a horizontal section disposed on the top surface of the structure's foundation footer, and a vertical section that extends from the horizontal section in communication with the structure's foundation wall. The horizontal section includes a top surface, side walls, and a bottom surface that define a central drainage area, the side walls include lower apertures. The vertical section includes front and back surfaces, the back surface includes an edge having passages in fluid communication with the lower apertures. The vertical section includes an upper flange that protrudes a distance from the back surface such that the lower edge and flange portion abut the interior surface of the foundation wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall or roof surface element comprising a temperature barrier layer and an extremely thin external insulating layer. Alternatively, an absorption layer can also be provided on the external side. A building fitted with said type of elements has a positive energy balance.

Abstract: A water-resistant apparatus is provided. This water-resistant apparatus is positioned near a photovoltaic module. The water-resistant apparatus includes hollow, elongated conduits, and each conduit can hold water with surface tension based on exposure of the conduit to water. The surface tension causes a formation of a meniscus that inhibits a flow of water through the conduit.

Abstract: A flush plug and a collar are used in installing a drain or cleanout. A flush plug is temporarily attached to the nipple of a cleanout or to a drain base and leveled. Concrete is then poured flush with the top of the flush plug. After the flush plug is removed from the cured concrete, a collar is installed in the hole in the concrete left by the flush plug. The outside of the lower portion of the collar is beveled like the flush plug. The upper portion of the collar includes a sleeve rising above the top surface of the surrounding concrete by an amount equal to the thickness of the specific floor finish. Tile or other finish may then be laid to around the collar. The installed drain will be flush and level with the flooring around it.

Abstract: In building a house, it is necessary to arrange bearing walls and non-bearing walls in a well-balanced manner. However, in the case where a bearing wall is configured by fixing a plate-like body such as a bearing wall panel to the exterior-side face of a structural frame member formed by assembling horizontal members and pillar members into the shape of a square frame, the surface of the bearing wall panel protrudes from the face of the structural frame member on the exterior side by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the bearing wall panel. Thus, the exterior-side face of the bearing wall in which the bearing wall panel is provided is not flush with the exterior-side face of the non-bearing wall in which the bearing wall panel is not provided, and so there is a step. Accordingly, processing of the base during attachment of an exterior building material has been necessary.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an effective manufactured insulation and ventilating assembly that can insulate a structure, usually in roofing or exterior wall applications, from conductive, convective and radiant heat. The radiant insulating and venting assembly is comprised of a rigid upper layer that is moisture resistant. The bottom layer of the assembly is made up of a radiant reflective surface. Between the rigid upper moisture resistant layer and the radiant reflective layer are non-collapsing air spacer columns, approximately ?ths to 1 inch in length, that create the needed air space for effective radiant heat reflection and air and moisture venting.

Abstract: An exterior panel system is disclosed. The exterior panel system has at least one panel having a main surface and at least one panel side wall. The system has at least one gutter having gutter surface and at least one gutter side wall. The system has a lower receiver configured to join the panel and the gutter to an exterior wall. The panel is located adjacent the gutter and the at least one panel side wall located adjacent to the gutter surface and adjacent to at least one gutter side wall. The exterior panel system is capable of providing water proofing or water resistance to the exterior of a building utilizing dry joins that do not require the use of seals or expandable sealant during installation.

Abstract: A wall paneling system including at least one finish wall panel configured to prevent moisture from entering an interior of the wall panel and having a finish with a predetermined finished characteristic thereon and a drainage system configured to remove moisture directed into the drainage system by the at least one wall panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.

Abstract: An elongate channel insert configured for installation between elongate structural members to prevent water from flowing through an overlying structure into the area beneath the structural members includes a U-shaped hook on a first side of the insert that goes over the top and both sides of a joist, an L-shaped ledge on the other side of the channel insert prevents the inserts from becoming off center as they are placed side by side on joists across the entire width of a deck with the base of the insert angled along its length such that water captured within the channel will drain from one end of the insert to the other.

Abstract: A ventilated exterior wall or roof system comprises frame including a plurality of frame members, and a double envelope structure attached to the exterior of the frame. The double envelope structure comprises a water resistant membrane, an exterior sheathing material disposed on the exterior side of and spaced from the water resistant membrane, and one or more air channels between the water resistant membrane and the exterior sheathing.