Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for making a photovoltaic cell are provided. The photovoltaic cell is able to have a substrate made of a composite material. The composite material is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The substrate of the photovoltaic cell is able to be flexible, such that the photovoltaic cell is able to be applied on various surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are novel building integrable photovoltaic (BIP) assemblies and methods of installation thereof on building structures. The BIP assembly includes a base sheet or a sheath, which may be a plywood board or an oriented strand (OSB) board, and multiple electrically interconnected photovoltaic inserts, which are attached to and supported by the base sheet. The base sheet is configured to be positioned directly the building structures, such as roof rafters. Various electrical components may be positioned within cavities of the base sheet and/or at the back side of that sheet. Such components are configured to align in between the roof rafters during installation. The spacing between the rafters provides access to the components and allows the components to extend away from the base sheet and into the spacing. Various electrical components may be installed and removed from the BIP assembly during its fabrication and/or installation.

Abstract: A trellis system including a front tube, a back tube, and two end tubes joined together, a plurality of roof panels, each panel having a perimeter, wherein the perimeter of the panel is coupled to at least a back tube surface and a front tube surface. An internal drainage system facilitates drainage of precipitation from the trellis. The internal drainage system further comprises an internal channel located within the tube member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide composite roofing strips that may be attached to a roofing membrane for aesthetic and/or functional purposes and method of attaching the same. According to one embodiment, a composite roofing strip may include a longitudinally extending body having a base and a lateral member extending from the base, and may also include an insert extending partially or fully along the body and coupled therewith. The insert may be formable so as to allow the composite roofing strip to be adjusted to have a desired profile and to maintain the desired profile of the composite roofing strip post adjustment.

Abstract: The low cost roofing techniques provide techniques for construction of low-cost roofing. The techniques reduce the proportion of cement by employing substitute (low-cost) materials that may be readily available to mix with the cement. These substitute materials include, but are not limited to, suitable agricultural wastes, such as rice husk ash, crushed used brick rubble, and pozzolana. The techniques involve forming a plurality of supports spanning the open space between the walls of the structure and mounting a plurality of dome-shaped sheet metal elements on the supports, forming a series of ceiling vaults. The concave surface of the dome-shaped elements forms the ceiling. The convex or outer surface of the dome-shaped elements forms the inner layer of the roof. The cement mixture is deposited on the convex or outer surfaces of the dome-shaped elements to form a second layer for the roof.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a technology of manufacturing and assembling modular doors, which can be assembled on site, and specifically to modular doors, which can be assembled without a use of glue, by mortize and tenons.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck.

Abstract: A ceiling structure includes a suspended framework having a plurality of main runners and a plurality of cross runners interconnected to define an array of tile receiving openings and a plurality of ceiling tiles positioned within the array of tile receiving openings, each of the plurality of ceiling tiles having a plurality of magnets positioned at a peripheral portion thereof which are configured to magnetically couple the ceiling tile within a respective one of the tile receiving openings with the ceiling tile abutting a respective mounting frame. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A roof panel includes a fascia plate having a pair of vertical legs extending from opposite edges of the fascia plate with a receptacle formed into an upper end of each of the pair of vertical legs so that the receptacle opens outwardly relative to the fascia plate. An insulating foam is bonded to the fascia plate and to a liner plate that has a tongue and groove formed on opposite edges of the liner plate.

Abstract: A short cross member for a narrow utility channel formed of malleable sheet metal and having a vertical double ply web and a horizontal flange symmetrically disposed on both sides of a lower edge of the web, integral end connectors formed on each end of the cross member from sheet material contiguous with the web, the integral end connectors being arranged to support the flange in coplanar relation with flanges of the channel, the end connectors and the web being weakened at a predetermined vertical line whereby the cross member can be assembled in a narrow channel by bending at the associated line of weakness to shorten the effective overall length of the cross member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to roofing products. The present invention relates more particularly to roofing products for use with photovoltaic elements, and to photovoltaic systems that include one or more photovoltaic elements joined to a roofing substrate. In one embodiment, a roofing product includes a flexible roofing substrate having a top surface, the top surface having one or more granule-coated zones thereon capable of acting as a receptor zone or an exposure zone, each zone being adapted to receive one or more photovoltaic elements; and an adhesive suitable for securing photovoltaic elements to one or more of the granule-coated zones, the adhesive capable of forming a bond to the granules and the top surface of the flexible roofing substrate and to the bottom surface of the photovoltaic elements.

Abstract: A method for providing at least a part of a building includes the steps of prefabricating a module by assembling four walls extending between a floor and a roof to form a rectangular cuboid shape; providing at least one compartment within the cuboid shape; providing waterproof layers on the interior walls and floor of the compartment for creating a wet area within the module; arranging technical installations within the cuboid shape; and providing interior equipment within the cuboid shape. The method further includes the steps of prefabricating a plurality of panels and slabs; and connecting these panels and slabs to a lateral side of the module for providing a further rectangular cuboid shape forming a panel-built room.

Abstract: A cinema structure (1) comprises an auditorium (12) defined between a floor (2), a ceiling (3), front and rear walls (5,8) and side walls (10), which is of length (L) similar to its width (W) and of height (H1) approximately half its width (W). A screen (14) which is substantially the width and height of the auditorium (14) is located adjacent the front wall (5). Rows (17) of seats (18) are tiered upwardly rearwardly at an angle of approximately 22.5°. The front row (17a) of seats (18) is located on the floor (2), while the second and subsequent rows (17) of seats (18) are mounted on corresponding plinths (20). The rearmost plinth (20a) is located adjacent the rear wall (8) and is spaced apart downwardly from the ceiling (3) a height (H2) of approximately 2 metres. A projector (24) in a projector housing (23) is located centrally on the rearmost plinth (20) within the auditorium (12), and a lens port (22) of the projector (24) is located at a level of approximately 0.5 metre below the ceiling 3.

Abstract: A sheet metal fastener and method of use with a low density porous ceiling panel, the fastener comprising a plurality of blades adapted to be manually driven into a backside of a low density fibrous ceiling panel core, each blade being arranged to be pivoted about a horizontal axis in a direction opposite another one of the blades while embedded in the core to fix the fastener to the panel and an upstanding structure attached to said blades adapted to project upwardly from a rear side of the panel and having an aperture for receiving a suspension wire.

Abstract: A strip-shaped feed magazine (10) for holding roof mounting clips (14) to be fed to a fastening tool comprises a plurality of clip holders (18), distributed along said feed magazine (10), for holding roof mounting clips (14) to be fastened onto a roof support structure by said fastening tool.

Abstract: A method of providing a removable building structure containing computing equipment. The method comprises providing an array of cabinets. The cabinets are formed from vertical support pillars wherein at least some of the vertical support pillars are hollow and have apertures formed along their length and arranged to enable air flow through the posts to control the temperature within the building. A roof is supported by using the array of cabinets as a modular constructional element of the building structure to provide support providing outer walls for the building. Computing equipment is placed in the cabinets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to TPO roofing apparatus, systems, and methods. For example, a method may include applying profiles to a substrate before applying a TPO membrane to the substrate. For example, an installation method may comprise, in some embodiments, laying out the spacing for one or more roof profiles on a substrate (e.g., a roof deck), attaching the one or more profiles to the substrate, applying a membrane (e.g., a self-adhesive TPO membrane) to the substrate between the profiles, and/or sealing the edges of the membrane to the profiles.

Abstract: A solar roofing panel has a rectangular body with solar cells exposed on the upper surface of the body and an electrical junction box on the lower surface of body along the forward edge portion thereof. A cutout is formed in the upper edge portion of the rectangular body at a corner thereof. When a plurality of solar panels are arranged on a roof in courses with an upper course partially overlapping a lower course, the junction boxes of roofing panels in the upper course are disposed in the cutouts of roofing panels of the lower course. Accordingly, the solar roofing panels present a low profile mimicking the profile of slate-style shingles.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a roofing, cladding or siding product which is light weight, easy to install, durable and resistant to environmental wear. One embodiment relates to a module that can be used to form a weatherproof covering over top of a building surface. Another embodiment is a module which can, in additional to forming a weatherproof covering, be used as part of a thermal energy recovery or removal system. Yet another embodiment is a module which can, in addition to forming a weatherproof covering, and optionally in addition to being useful as part of a thermal energy recovery system, bears an array of solar cells to generate electrical energy. Assemblies, systems, uses, and methods of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a roofing system includes a plurality of insulation boards adapted for overlying a roof deck to form a layer of insulation. Each of the plurality of insulation boards includes a first polyisocyanurate foam having a first foam density. The roofing system further includes a plurality of cover boards adapted for overlying the layer of insulation. Each of the plurality of cover boards includes a second polyisocyanurate foam having a second foam density, and the second foam density is greater than the first foam density. Each of the insulation boards and cover boards may have a facer on at least one major surface. The second foam density may be selected to provide the cover boards with a compressive strength to resist deformation.

Abstract: A roof panel system for use with a portable building is described herein. The portable building includes a support frame including a first wall plate, an opposite second wall plate, and a ridge beam positioned above the first and second wall plates. The ridge beam and the first and second wall plates extend between the first end wall and the second end wall along a longitudinal axis. The roof panel system includes a first panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the first wall plate and a second panel assembly adapted to be coupled between the ridge beam and the second wall plate. Each of the first and second panel assemblies includes a plurality of pre-assembled, modular roof panels that are adapted to be coupled together to form the first panel assembly and second panel assembly, respectively.

Abstract: A ceiling construction and method for supporting an upper level of structure using sandwich panels having insulative cores. The ceiling construction has a lower level wall sandwich panel and an upper level wall sandwich panel, each of which with two outer layers and a core separating the outer layers and an upper level wall sandwich panel. Adhered to the lower level wall sandwich panel is a beam configured to support the upper level of the structure.

Abstract: Anti-skid roof underlayment and methods of making are provided. A first layer is applied to a second layer to at least partially melt the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are embossed and laminated to a substrate, where the first layer and the second layer form an embossed layer on the substrate. The embossed layer has an anti-skid surface thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packing- and/or transport unit comprising several fibrous insulation elements (4, 5) for flat roof insulation being arranged in at least one stack (2) and at least one support means (3) being arranged under the stack (2), whereby the stack (2) contains at least two different types of insulation elements (4, 5), which differ with respect to the material properties. A packing- and/or transport unit which is easy to handle and which allows to arrange most of the materials close to the places where it is needed is achieved in that the stacked insulation elements (4, 5) comprise lamellas (4) and/or lamella boards having a high compression strength but low point load resistance due to their fiber orientation and at least one insulation board (5) having an even higher compression strength and high point load resistance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to systems, articles, materials, and methods for roofing a structure including, for example, hybrid shingles comprising a first material and a second material. A hybrid shingle may comprise, in some embodiments, a first layer comprising a metallic substrate or a polymeric substrate and at least partially defining a headlap region of the shingle, a buttlap region of the shingle comprising one or more tabs interspersed with inter-tab openings, an outward-facing surface of the first layer, and a substrate-facing surface of the first layer; and a second layer comprising a base and asphalt, having a smaller area than the first layer, and at least partially defining a buttlap region of the shingle, wherein the second layer is fixed to the substrate-facing surface of the first layer.

Abstract: Described is a method for making façades of buildings, comprising the following operations: fixing on an external wall (6) of a building a plurality of support elements (2), each projecting from the wall (6) and equipped with an insulating sleeve (4); applying and bonding to the wall (6) a plurality of insulating panels (15) made of expanded polystyrene, letting terminal ends (14) of the support elements (2), each surrounded by the respective insulating sleeve (4), protrude beyond the insulating panels (15); putting on the insulating sleeves (4) a plurality of bearing panels (16) made of fibre cement; applying and bonding the bearing panels (16) on the insulating panels (15); constraining a plurality of discrete finishing elements (23), such as stone slabs or tiles, to the bearing panels (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roof structure. The structure comprises support members defining openings. Bridge members extend between the support members. End portions of the bridge members are able to be received by the openings in the support members such that the end portions can be inhibited from being withdrawn from the openings. A safety barrier is supported by the bridge members. The structure also comprises an insulating layer including insulation pockets and being supported by the safety barrier.

Abstract: A modular structure and method of creating a modular structure where the structure has a cover made from a corrugated, lightweight material, at least one end wall and at least one corner connection means where the cover has at least one channel cut therein and where the end wall is inserted into the channel so that the cover wraps around the end wall to form a structure, and where at least one corner connection means connects and secures the cover to the end wall.

Abstract: A roof system includes a roof panel formed of concrete and an architectural surface such as a corrugated surface. A first layer of reinforcing material is disposed along and spaced inwardly from a first surface of the roof panel, and an optional second layer of reinforcing material is disposed along and spaced inwardly from a second surface of the roof panel. The first layer of reinforcing material is spaced from the second layer of reinforcing material. The reinforcing material may be formed of fiber-reinforced polymer mesh, made with carbon fibers or glass fibers. FRP rebar may be used in conjunction with FRP mesh to provide added structural strength. The roof panel may include one or more elongated ribs having a thickness greater than adjacent portions of the roof panel. In other aspects, concrete structures with reinforcing material may be used for either roof panels or wall applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor panel; in particular a laminated floor panel. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of mutually coupled floor panels according to the invention. The invention further relates to a method for mutually coupling two floor panels, in particular laminated floor panels, according to the invention.

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: 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 foam roof of the present disclosure includes a roof having a roof portion with one of an edge, termination, or penetration having a generally upright edge. A foam is received over a region of the roof portion adjacent to and along the generally upright edge. A flexible edge member is received over the generally upright edge and an adjacent region of the foam. The edge member preferably has first and second legs disposed in substantially perpendicular relation, and each leg has a variable or tapering cross-sectional conformation.

Abstract: A roofing panel includes a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a right-side surface, a left-side surface and a rear surface, the front surface, the top surface, the bottom surface, the right-side surface, the left-side surface and the rear surface include a waterproofing membrane. A plurality of top perimeter edges, the plurality of top perimeter edges include substantially concave bevels. A plurality of bottom perimeter edges, the plurality of bottom perimeter edges include substantially convex bevels. The bottom surface of the roofing panel includes an adhesive for adhering the roofing panel to a roof deck.

Abstract: A system is provided for mounting at least one solar panel on a roof having standing seams protruding outwardly therefrom. The system may include a plurality of panel mounting brackets each comprising first and second flanges laterally spaced apart to define a seam channel therebetween, with the seam channel for receiving a given standing seam therein when the first and second flanges are positioned on the roof straddling the given standing seam. Each panel mounting bracket may also include a vertical extension portion carried by the first and second flanges. The system may further include a plurality of clamps each configured to couple the vertical extension portion of a respective panel mounting bracket with the at least one solar panel.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel design of a rooftop with structurally and functionally integrated photovoltaic modules that includes photovoltaic modules, which can be commercially available and which are augmented with additional framing including additional structural and functional layers. The modules are mounted on a grid like supporting structure sitting on vertical elevation structures, such as building walls or columns. The design enables cost reduction, fast installation and improved performance of rooftops with photovoltaic power.

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 surface covering includes a frame, an element structure comprising an elongated member and a plurality of elements, and wherein spaced-apart portions of the elongated member being attachable to spaced-apart portions of the frame so that some of the elements are disposed in an overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A racking system for photovoltaic solar panels greatly reduces material, weight, labor and system profile as compared to previous mounting systems. Special pedestals are secured to a roof at far larger spacings and fewer number than required in previous systems. The pedestals are configured for efficient and dependable flashing for waterproofing the roof. In assembly the extruded aluminum components are fitted together quickly with efficient and strong connections, with the photovoltaic panels retained in a compact array and fully supported along the length of each panel. The fittings provide for field adjustment of the height of the uprights, helping accommodate uneven roof surfaces, such as flat roofs.

Abstract: A fastener installation guide for securing a top plate to a roof support member comprises a grip assembly, a roof support member alignment wall and a fastener retention assembly transverse to the grip assembly. The handle portion has first and second top plate alignment members oriented generally perpendicular to one another. A gripping surface extends between the first and second top plate alignment members and the roof support member alignment defines a first plane oriented transversely to the grip assembly. The fastener retention assembly defines a fastener retention channel and has a fastener alignment wall which defines a second plane, a roof support member alignment edge and a bottom edge. The fastener retention channel is oriented at an angle ? with respect to the second plane.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels is supported in rows and columns spaced from one another using a foldable bi-directional span of support members. The support members include a plurality of support joists and support rails braced at an incline. Each support rail is tubular and generally rectangular, having a lower wall section with a T-slot channel for acceptance of the head of a bolt for adjustable attachment with the support joist. Also, the support rail may have a C-slot channel for retaining electrical wires. Clips are used to secure each panel to upper wall portions of underlying support rails. Each clip has a generally U-shaped gasket and is retained to a corresponding support rail through a threaded hole in a top wall of the support rail that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck.

Abstract: A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34).

Abstract: An energy generating system for placement on a roof structure is disclosed including one or more solar panels being secured to roof system components. The solar panels are secured thereto with hook and loop fasteners that may be integral with the roof system components.

Abstract: A deployable and inflatable roof, wall, or other structure has first and second covers made of flexible panels and cables arranged from edge to edge along the covers. Couplings along the edges of the covers connect the structure to supports, such as rails on which the structure can deploy and other supports of a building. Air from blowers blow air in between the covers to inflate the structure like an air cushion. In addition to cables, lateral support for the structure can use struts disposed edge to edge along the covers. Traction or rack and pinion drive mechanisms or cable drive systems can be used to deploy and retract the structure along the rails to cover or open a rooftop or other opening or area of the building.

Abstract: A shaped insulation insert, an insulated concrete wall structure, and a method of producing same is disclosed. The insert is to be embedded in a concrete wall and comprises an elongate, rigid foam insert including an integrally formed base section and cap section symmetrically disposed on the base section. The elongate insert has a length sufficient to form a vertical interior surface expanse of the concrete wall, and flat side surfaces that are sufficient to enable a plurality of inserts to be placed horizontally side-by-side to form a horizontal interior surface expanse of the concrete wall. The insert includes opposed end sections extending from outer ends of the intersection of the cap and base sections to an outer edge portion for disposing adjacent inserts in the concrete wall. The insulated concrete wall structure comprises an interior section including an inner insulation portion effective to produce a saving of concrete.

Abstract: A building panel structure is disclosed, in which building panels are used to form a structure. Roof panels and roof panel tiles are used to form the roof of the structure. The roof panel includes a core and a coating covering a portion of the core. In some embodiments the core consists of a frame and at least one insulating structural block. The insulating structural blocks can be encapsulated polystyrene (EPS) foam blocks. In some embodiments the coating includes ceramic material. In some embodiments the coating includes a first layer and a second layer. In some embodiments the coating materials are formed into a roof tile before they are coupled to the roof panel core. The roof panel and the roof tile can be shaped, formed, and colored to look like traditional roof tiles such as shake roof tiles or Spanish roof tiles.

Abstract: A wireguide configured to couple to a T-bar structure of a drop ceiling and method for installing the wireguide is provided. The wireguide includes a first portion contacting a base of the T-bar structure; a second portion extending from the first portion over a top member of the T-bar structure; and a third portion extending from the second portion to the base of the T-bar structure.

Abstract: A method comprising removing a roof from a railcar, the railcar comprising a plurality of top chords, coupling an outer portion of a replacement roof to one or more of the plurality of top chords, the outer portion comprising a frame and a first plurality of panels, and coupling an inner portion of the replacement roof to the frame of the outer portion of the replacement roof after coupling the outer portion to one or more of the plurality of top chords, the inner portion comprising a second plurality of panels.