Abstract: A transportation system includes: a vehicle hub including a plurality of connection slots. The vehicle hub is configured such that, in response to vehicles being parked respectively in the connection slots, the vehicle hub is connected to interior spaces of the vehicles through the connection slots, the vehicles are categorized by use, and the connection slots are grouped by category such that connection slots grouped together by category, among the connection slots, are disposed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A transportation system and method serve passenger-conveying VTOL air vehicles (AVs) at a vertiport. The vertiport has a flight deck including at least one landing pad, a passenger terminal, and a dynamic partition arrangement that defines a capsule for receiving one of the AVs at a time. The dynamic partition arrangement assumes a first open state in which it is open to the flight deck and closed to the passenger terminal and a second open state in which it is closed to the flight deck and open to the passenger terminal. A robotic system includes a handling robot that automatically approaches and docks with the AV after landing, and conveys the AV between the landing pad and the capsule via an opening provided by the first open state of the dynamic partition.

Abstract: Underground distribution system for the distribution of goods in an urban environment including at least one micro-tunnel forming at least one loop, extending under the foundations of preexisting surface buildings and/or infrastructures, in which goods, the transportation of which is automated, circulate, and a plurality of exchange stations exchanging with the surface, each including a shaft allowing goods to be lowered down to the micro-tunnel and raised back up after they have been transported within the micro-tunnel.

Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.

Abstract: A method for selling consumer fireworks is provided. The method includes disposing a cargo container having an outer housing and first and second shelving units at a location. The outer housing defines an interior region with the first and second shelving units disposed on opposite sides of the interior region such that a longitudinally extending aisle is located between the first and second shelving units. The method further includes disposing first and second consumer firework devices on the first and second shelving units, respectively. The method further includes determining a sales price of at least one of the first and second consumer firework devices that were selected by a consumer that entered through a consumer entrance into the interior region to view the firework devices.

Abstract: A lightweight slab including two main parallel reticular reinforcements (5)(6) separated by secondary reinforcements and arranged to form a double diagonal, a single diagonal or to be perpendicular in relation to the main reinforcements. All of the reinforcements are embedded in a volume of concrete filling which covers and protects such reinforcements and which is defined by a suitable formwork or mould which creates voids in a hypothetical prismatic volume and which is formed by hollow prismatic or truncated-pyramid-shaped volumes with smooth edges and vertices that improve structural strength and facilitate the extraction of the moulds. The filling includes open holes (4, 3) in those portions that do not interfere with the secondary and main reinforcements to form a succession of nodes connected at the top and bottom by holes that can be accessed from the lower and/or upper level (4) and, internally, hollows (2) connected by side holes (3).

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility.

Abstract: A pharmacist workstation that has a desk that is accessible to customers at a customer position in front of the desk; pharmacist seating directly behind the desk, from which a pharmacist can directly interact with a customer in front of the desk; a pass-through window to a secure preparation area; and a private consulting area that has an entrance that is located to a side of the pharmacist seating.

Abstract: A pharmacy workspace that has a prescription station that has a prescription desk; a pharmacist station that has a pharmacist desk that is distinct from the prescription desk; a clinic station that has an examination room; and a reception desk that is centrally positioned between the three stations and separated from them by only an open circulation area.

Abstract: A retail pharmacy workspace that has a clinic station where common acute health issues such as the flu and ear infections can be addressed by a medical assistant; boundary walls that at least partially surround the clinic station and include a doorway and a screening wall that has front and back ends and no doorway between those ends; at least one examination room within the boundary walls; a waiting room within the boundary walls, between the examination room and the doorway; a prescription station where prescriptions are filled; a pharmacy waiting area outside the boundary walls of the clinic station; and parallel rows of seating in the pharmacy waiting area that define front and back limits of a seating area that are arranged on lines that intersect the screening wall.

Abstract: A system, workflow and facilities for hybrid tissue banks are provided with a central access way having spaces on both sides for public and private diagnostic areas, public and private clean room areas for processing, culturing and other manufacturing steps, public and private storage areas, wherein air flow is into said clean rooms and out of said diagnostic areas and said storage areas, and wherein all public facilities are on one side of the central access-way and private facilities are on the other side, and wherein there are sample pass-throughs between each area, and at least the sample pass-through into and out of the clean room processing areas comprise small enclosed chambers having two access panels (one leading to each space), wherein only one panel can open at a time. Preferably, these areas are preceded by receiving spaces and terminated by shipping spaces, which also have pass-through chambers.

Abstract: A multi-storied garage having an energy efficient ventilation system that incorporates a unique window array and vertically mounted energy producing wind turbines located in a corner of the garage structure that would otherwise be unusable for vehicle parking.

Abstract: An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a production area which includes a hub which is at least partially surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclose a corral configured to hold one or more shopping carts and display one or more advertisements. The corral can include: (a) an enclosure having an opening configured to receive the one or more shopping carts, the enclosure having a first side; and (b) at least one first panel located at the first side and configured to display at least a first advertisement of the one or more advertisements. The advertising panels can be configured to be coupled adjacent the opening of the corral to facilitate better visibility.

Abstract: A roof hatch grab bar assembly for adding comfort to a person ascending or descending a roof hatch and its complementary through the roof ladder. The roof hatch grab bar assembly includes grab bar handrails and a cross support assembly with side supports on either side that include telescoping arms. The design is adjustable, easily installed and will not crush the insulation surrounding a roof hatch that is conventionally adhered to the hatch. Installation may be done while minimizing the potential for leaks in the roof.

Abstract: A vehicular drive-thru food ordering and delivering system and method are provided. The system includes a lot, a drive-thru lane and a building for receiving and filling drive-thru orders. The building has a primary food delivery window for passing ready orders to drive-thru customers, and a downstream in-line parking area for drive-thru vehicles having a delayed order. Proximate to and downstream from the primary food delivery window is a doorway for attendant access from the primary food delivery window to the downstream in-line parking area. An attendant runway is proximate and downstream of the doorway and proximate to the in-line vehicle waiting area. A customer with a delayed order can be directed to wait in the downstream in-line waiting area. When the delayed order is ready for delivery, an attendant can deliver the ready order via the proximate doorway and proximate attendant runway to a vehicle waiting in the in-line vehicle waiting area.

Abstract: A vehicular drive-thru food ordering and delivering system and method are provided. The system includes a lot, a drive-thru lane and a building for receiving and filling drive-thru orders. The building has a primary food delivery window for passing ready orders to drive-thru customers, and a downstream in-line parking area for drive-thru vehicles having a delayed order. Proximate to and downstream from the primary food delivery window is a doorway for attendant access from the primary food delivery window to the downstream in-line parking area. An attendant runway is proximate and downstream of the doorway and proximate to the in-line vehicle waiting area. A customer with a delayed order can be directed to wait in the downstream in-line waiting area. When the delayed order is ready for delivery, an attendant can deliver the ready order via the proximate doorway and proximate attendant runway to a vehicle waiting in the in-line vehicle waiting area.

Abstract: A guardrail block includes an attachable support for signage, such as a reflector. The reflector may be mountable on the support, and the support may be integrated with a base or may be separate and attached to the base. For example, a support may be snap fit into the base and the base can be slip fitted into recessed channels formed in elongated extensions extending from a top surface of the guardrail block. The guardrail block may be made of a synthetic foam material, the support and base may be die injection molded, and the reflector may be reflective tape adhered to a surface of the support, for example.

Abstract: An access control system includes first and second portable containers. The first portable container comprises a first sidewall opening and the second portable container comprises a second sidewall opening. The portable containers are arranged such that the first sidewall opening in the first portable container communicates with the second sidewall opening in the second portable container. The first portable container comprises a passing room disposed in the first portable container. The passing room includes a barrier device located in the walkway defining a first space between a first passing room opening and the barrier device, and a second space between the barrier device and a second passing room opening. The access control system is constructed such that when the access control system is disposed between a first area and an enclosed second area ingress and egress from and to the second area is controlled by the access control system.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: A subgrade vault with a latching cover. The vault includes a peripheral wall with an open access port at the top. A peripheral ledge surrounds the access port. A cover to close the access port fits inside it, with a latch assembly inside it and a retractable latch pin disposed to fit in an aperture in the peripheral ledge. The latch pin is retractable by the stabbing motion of a tapered tool against a cam surface on the latch pin. The cover is locked in place merely by pressing down on it.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business method for use with a building comprising a commercial showroom and a multi-occupancy structure directly accessible from the showroom. The method comprises the steps of providing, for compensation, tenancy rights to said showroom to a business associated with a brand; obtaining rights to use the brand in association with said structure; and providing, for compensation, occupancy rights to the units in said structure. Also disclosed is an improved multi-story building of the type having an adjacent road and residential dwelling units disposed on more than one of said stories. The improvement comprises a plurality of vehicle-receiving pads disposed in vertically-spaced relation to one another, each pad being associated with a respective one of the units and contiguous therewith. Apparatus for use with the improved building is also disclosed and comprises means for moving said vehicle between the staging area and the stand of each pad.

Abstract: An improved layout for a manufacturing facility is disclosed. The layout includes a hub surrounded by a production corridor. The production corridor comprises production stages used in the manufacturing process. The hub, having direct line-of-sight to the production stages, can easily monitor the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A vehicle barrier arranged for moving from a first position that permits a vehicle to move past the vehicle barrier to a second position that prevents a vehicle from moving past the vehicle barrier, and a light mounted on the vehicle barrier that moves with the vehicle barrier, wherein when the vehicle is in the first position the light is illuminated in a first color (e.g., green) and in the second position the light is illuminated in a second color (e.g., red).

Abstract: A regional aircraft boarding module can be provided at an airport concourse in place of or in addition to a conventional large aircraft boarding bridge. The regional aircraft boarding module includes regional aircraft rotunda between a number of secondary passenger bridges that are coupled to the regional aircraft rotunda. A method of using the regional aircraft boarding module includes an activity selected from docking a regional aircraft thereto, interfacing a large aircraft boarding bridge thereto, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An interstitial regional aircraft boarding pier can be provided at an airport concourse in place of a conventional large aircraft boarding bridge. The interstitial regional aircraft boarding pier includes a primary passenger bridge between the airport concourse and a hub. A number of secondary passenger bridges extend from the hub to at least one individual regional aircraft.

Abstract: A regional aircraft boarding pier can be provided at an airport concourse in place of one or two conventional large aircraft boarding bridges. The regional aircraft boarding pier includes a primary passenger bridge between the airport concourse and a hub. A number of secondary passenger bridges extend from the hub to individual regional aircraft. In this way, an equivalent number of passenger seats can be serviced as between large and regional aircraft, and large and regional aircraft can be docked at a common airport terminal. Consequently, passengers can more efficiently and conveniently transfer between connecting flights that are on both large and regional aircraft. The hub of the boarding pier can take a number of configurations to optimally use the space available. The hub can also support large aircraft boarding bridges as well as the secondary passenger bridges docked to smaller, regional aircraft.

Abstract: An air travel system preferably uses an airport terminal or concourse that includes at least one regional aircraft boarding pier and at least one boarding bridge for larger aircraft. The regional aircraft boarding pier includes a primary passenger bridge extending from the airport terminal or concourse; a pier hub connected to the primary passenger bridge; and a plurality of secondary passenger bridges connected to, and extending from, the hub. Each secondary passenger bridge has a docking end for docking with a regional aircraft. A method of operating this air travel system includes boarding a passenger on a regional aircraft by sending the passenger through the regional aircraft boarding pier. This may be before or after the passenger also uses a boarding bridge to board a larger aircraft which is a connecting flight in the passenger's travel itinerary. This method allows the passenger to transfer between regional and larger aircraft within a single airport concourse or terminal.

Abstract: A safety device and method for stairs, escalators and moving sidewalks that moves a person sitting or sliding on a handrail onto the steps to avoid accidents. The safety device includes a sloped surface that can be part of an elongated pyramid. The sloped surface is at an angle of between about 30° and about 45° from the direction of the handrail, with 45° being preferred. The safety device is free of sharp edges and is configured to avoid catching on a person's clothing. The safety device may include illumination.

Abstract: A handrail for preventing dangers during walking and movements to standing or sitting positions, for correcting postures, and for simplifying walking movements of physically handicapped persons, persons with weak grip strength, and persons of low functional capacity caused by collagenosis or rheumatism. The handrail is an elongate handrail having a smooth curved line periphery. The pinky-engaging side of the handrail is protuberated in a circular shape and has a recess at a portion thereof where a fingertip of a person grasping the handrail engages a lower end vicinity position of the circular shape.

Abstract: This invention uses a family of exit-finding aids to enable occupants of rooms or workspaces in buildings, cabins in ships, seats in aircraft cabins, auditoriums, theaters, etc. to know the distance and direction to the nearest exit in each direction by touch as well as by sight; to know so before leaving those spaces; to similarly know the escape paths to each of those exits; to similarly know the distance and direction to alternate exits along the escape path; to similarly confirm arrival at an exit; and to similarly know the distance and direction to alternates to exits that are unusable.

Abstract: A regional aircraft boarding pier can be provided at an airport concourse in place of one or two conventional large aircraft boarding bridges. The regional aircraft boarding pier includes a primary passenger bridge between the airport concourse and a hub. A number of secondary passenger bridges extend from the hub to individual regional aircraft. In this way, an equivalent number of passenger seats can be serviced as between large and regional aircraft, and large and regional aircraft can be docked at a common airport terminal. Consequently, passengers can more efficiently and conveniently transfer between connecting flights that are on both large and regional aircraft. The hub of the boarding pier can take a number of configurations to optimally use the space available. The hub can also support large aircraft boarding bridges as well as the secondary passenger bridges docked to smaller, regional aircraft.

Abstract: A multilevel building including a first row of personal occupancy spaces arranged on one side of one level of the building which is above ground level, a second row of personal occupancy spaces arranged on an opposite side of the one level of the building, an elevated street arranged on the one level of the building between the first and second rows of personal occupancy spaces, and at least one helical ramp for carrying a vehicle between the ground level outside the building and the elevated street inside the building.

Abstract: A furniture system is particularly adapted to support group activities in open plans, and the like. A plurality of columns support an overhead framework on the floor of a building in a freestanding fashion at a predetermined elevation, generally above average user height. A plurality of individual panels are provided, wherein each panel is constructed to permit easy, manual, bodily translation of the same by an adult user. A hanger arrangement is associated with the overhead framework, and cooperates with connectors on the panels to detachably suspend the panels at various locations along the overhead framework. The panels are manually reconfigurable between many different arrangements to efficiently and effectively support different group activities. Preferably, the panels are capable of providing a partitioning function to visually divide at least a portion of the workspace, and/or a display function to facilitate group communications.

Abstract: A composite hand rail for supporting and protecting pedestrians on steps and inclined surfaces. The rail is a composite comprising a shell having a wide slightly convex top surface extending downwardly and laterally to a convex sidewall before returning and flaring down to a smaller waist section. The shell has an interior cavity open to the bottom that can receive a core material. Preferably the shell is of cellular blended polyvinylchloride or styrene with a hardened skin formed by celuka processing. A simulated wood finish is applied to the shell by hot stamping or paint and print processes. Shells can be easily formed into spiral and curvilinear shapes by bending around a form or mandrel. The decorative wood finish bends with the shell thus enhancing the decorative wood finish appearance. A core is prefabricated to fit within the shell cavity. The core is fastened within the cavity by either adhesive or mechanical means.

Abstract: A three story apartment building with a number of breezeways on the first floor allowing access through the building to the other side will be designed so as to not have breezeways on the second and third story. The second and third floors of the apartment building will be comprised of two-story apartments so that no exits will be required on the third floor as required by the building code for separate third floor apartments. Preferably, each of the entrances to a first floor unit will be within the breezeways. In addition, no breezeway will need to be incorporated on the second floor since none is required on the third level. This allows for recovery of additional floor space on the second floor in the area over the breezeway of the first floor and recovery of all the former breezeway space on the third floor.

Abstract: A system is provided for tea service in a modern style teahouse, the latter combining quick service with the ambiance of more traditional quiet seating. A transition area between the quick service public and quiet seating lounge areas holds an inner counter with tea and tea concentrate based product processing devices, an aisle allowing passage for a tea tender and a semi-circular service/information counter. The information counter includes a first and second horizontal countertop parallel to one another joined together by a vertical wall in a step arrangement. A plurality of stools are arranged around the information counter on a side opposite the aisle.

Abstract: A handrail assembly which may be mounted on an existing handrail and used to aid children in ascending or descending a set of stairs. The handrail assembly includes a plurality of clamping devices which may be removably mounted on an existing handrail and which support a secondary handrail at a predetermined position below the existing handrail. The secondary handrail includes a plurality of telescopically mated rods which enable the overall length of the secondary handrail to be adjusted to coincide with the overall length of the existing handrail. Each section of the secondary handrail may be attached at a fixed position along the length of the secondary handrail to a clamping device. Additional clamping devices may be slidably mounted along the length of the secondary handrails to support any long expanses of unsupported sections of the secondary handrail. The clamping devices each have a pair of jaws which may be quickly mounted onto a variety of styles of existing handrails.

Abstract: A flooring system is presented. The flooring system is uniquely designed to provide advantageous flooring in work places that are subject to substantial water and/or grease exposure and high traffic. The materials provide advantage with respect to protection of underlying subfloor and walls. In addition, effective arrangements for sealing around drains and fixtures are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building structure within which a setting is maintained which allows restaurant patrons to enjoy dining out while allowing primarily children accompanying adult patrons the opportunity of playing in an adjacent amusement area without disturbing the adult patrons. The adult patrons, however, can view the children and any other amusement area patrons, allowing monitoring of the children's activity while simultaneously enjoying the view of the children at play and enjoying their meal. Preferably sound proofing is disposed between the two areas. Additionally, other areas, such as an exercise area, a play area, a coffee shop, gift shop, art projection area and the like can be contained within the building structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a temporary corridor, to cover a walkway or the like, comprising easily transportable elements that can be quickly erected and disassembled on a selected site by one person.

Abstract: To save space in an office when a personal computer is operated or when a conference is held with a number of persons, a working table which has a concave portion at the front edge and a auxiliary table are used. A plurality of the working tables and auxiliary tables are arranged side by side and surrounded by a partition to form a working room. The auxiliary table is placed by the working table and is movable with casters at the ends of feet of the auxiliary table. The height of the auxiliary table is variable, so that it is disposed with the working table at the same height for conference in the office, or is stored under the working table when the auxiliary table is not used. On a board which is slidably mounted on a panel at the rear end of the table, information or schedule may be written. The working room surrounded by the partition has a roll screen, and the workers can discuss various matters, watching an image on the roll screen projected by a projector.

Abstract: A modular convenience store. The store has a floor and a plurality of walls extending substantially vertically from the floor, which define a perimeter of the store, which has an interior and exterior. This plurality of walls includes a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall. The front wall is less than or equal to sixty feet long. The rear wall is less than or equal to sixty feet long and substantially opposing the front wall. The left wall is less than or equal to fourteen feet long, and the right wall is less than or equal to fourteen feet long and substantially opposing the left wall. A roof covers the interior of the store. A front door is substantially intermediate the front wall, and a rear door is substantially intermediate the rear wall. A walk-in cooler, with an interior, is located within the interior of the store, adjacent the left and rear walls, left of the rear door, and spaced from the front wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a short-term rest facility for travelers that can be erected within existing transportation terminal structures such as airports, bus terminals, train stations, and the like. The traveler's quarters of the present invention has provision for automatically charging the fees for the use of the facility to the guest's credit or debit card account. The traveler's quarters of the present invention contains complete bedroom and bathroom facilities, and other amenities.

Abstract: A hand-rail (3) for use in ships, buildings, etc., which, in order to give an indication of direction to persons who are in the ships or buildings, is designed with projections (4) with a direction-orientated design in the hand-rail's (3) longitudinal direction. By following this direction orientation, it will be possible to find the way to exits or specific locations. A description is also given of possibilities for reversing the hand-rail's guiding direction.

Abstract: A wall protector is shown which comprises a metallic bumper portion having a generally hollow interior. The bumper is clamped to a holding bracket which is in turn fastened to a wall-mounted bracket. A light source is mounted on the bumper to provide illumination. The holding bracket can be mounted and repositioned along the length of the bumper and the fastener attaching the holding bracket to the mounting bracket is accessible from beneath the latter.

Abstract: A compact sleeping unit is provided which can be mated with similarly configured sleeping units to form a grouping for use in a wide range of situations and settings. Each unit includes a horizontal platform and mattress for the compact sleeping of an occupant and a vertically oriented area for dressing and changing which is accessible to each sleeping area through a passage. The compact sleeping unit of the present invention provides a safe, clean, secure, private, inexpensive, portable and easily erected structure to service humans in a wide range of applications.

Abstract: A handrail including one or more tubular members, the ends whereof are provided with respective fastening members. Inserts made of photoluminescent material are arranged between the tubular members and the fixing members and are suitable to make the handrail visible even in poor lighting conditions or in complete darkness.

Abstract: A guard rail assembly having a sheath formed of polymerized material, such as plastic. A panel set within the rail structure is also formed of a polymerized material, such as plastic. The sheathing about the guard rail assembly creates a protective coating eliminating repainting of the guard rail assembly and further preventing damage to the guard rail and impacting devices.