Abstract: A hail resistant roofing system and method includes a roofing substrate such as a shingle or tile or membrane having an array of exposed upwardly projecting features. The features may rise to sharp points and may have side surfaces that are angled relative to the plane of the roofing substrate. The features are spaced and arranged so that a large hail stone capable of damaging the roofing substrate will always impact one or more of the exposed features. This can break up the hail stone into smaller benign pieces or can redirect the energy and direction of the hail stone so that the impact is absorbed without damage to the roofing substrate.

Abstract: An impact-resistant, photovoltaic (IRPV) window system is provided. The system may include an IRPV window coupled to a structure, a controller, and an insurance computing device. The IRPV window may include an impact resistant (IR) layer, a photovoltaic (PV) material that may generate an electrical output, and an electrode coupled to the PV material that may receive the electrical output. The IRPV window may permit a portion of visible light to pass through the IRPV window. The controller may monitor the electrical output and generate a solar profile of the structure based upon the electrical output. The insurance computing device may receive the solar profile and determine if an insurance policy associated with the structure is eligible for a policy adjustment and/or an insurance reward or discount offer.

Abstract: A set of stackable, planar shims is provided, with each shim having a series of projections on the top surface and corresponding recesses on the bottom surface, wherein the projections overlay the recesses. Each shim may be characterized by a bisecting line, with the series of projections and recesses being a reverse image of each other, on either side of the bisecting line. Notches in opposite corners of the shims facilitate aligning the shims in an interlocking arrangement, regardless of which surfaces of the shims are pressed into contact. The projections on the surface of the shim can be arranged to create a barrier to shear forces that are perpendicular to the sides of the shim and diagonal to the sides of the shim.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An exemplary embodiment includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly. The sterilizing cabinet includes a cabinet having an access port, a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a closed position precluding passage through the access port. The sterilizing cabinet assembly also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having a vent port. The sterilizing cabinet has a primary filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door and a secondary filter overlying at least a portion of the primary filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an uncalcined geopolymer-based refractory material. The method includes the steps of mixing a mineral powder, a fly ash, a metakaolin, and silicon carbide whiskers by ball milling to form a milled material; mixing the milled material with a sodium water glass solution and water to form a slurry; and curing the slurry to obtain the uncalcined geopolymer-based refractory material. The uncalcined geopolymer-based refractory material thus prepared contains a geopolymer matrix formed of the mineral powder, the fly ash, and the metakaolin and the silicon carbide whiskers embedded in the geopolymer matrix.

Abstract: Some implementations herein described improvements to concrete products and processes for producing concrete products that may provide a positive environmental impact and that can be stronger relative to the percent of cement used. Particular examples include improvements to zero-slump to near-zero-slump concrete mixture design, material storage and handling, batching, mixing, sequencing and curing processes, as well as forming and curing techniques.

Abstract: A modular thatch panel for a thatch roof is provided that distinguishes a perforated louvered drainage and drying tray and an insert thatch bale. The tray has louvers at the bottom aspect of the tray and perforations distributed over the tray bottom. The bottom surface of the tray faces a barrier (e.g. water, thermal and/or fire) which overlays a roof panel. The tray and the barrier are at a distance suitable for airflow in between the two layers. The insert thatch bale is compacted, bonded and inserted in the perforated louvered drainage and drying tray.

Abstract: A wireless image processing system includes a splitter software and processing apparatus configured to receive or forward picture element data. Image data in a computer may be split, wirelessly transmitted, and processed to form an any size integrity image/video display on a building or structure, meanwhile no physical damage may be done on or to the building or no physical cabling obstacle for image or video dividing and combining at a lighting show.

Abstract: A webless corrugated dual wall foundation drain which is constructed as a hollow rectangular tubular member with an inner corrugated wall formed of HDPE and an integral outer smooth wall formed of the same material. The outer smooth wall of the foundation drain is attached to and integrally formed with the corrugations of the inner corrugated wall through a coextrusion process, thereby significantly enhancing the vertical beam stiffness of the foundation drain and eliminating the need for an internal supporting web.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure concern controllers and control methods for applying a drive voltage to bus bars of optically switchable devices such as electrochromic devices. Such devices are often provided on windows such as architectural glass. In certain embodiments, the applied drive voltage is controlled in a manner that efficiently drives an optical transition over the entire surface of the electrochromic device. The drive voltage is controlled to account for differences in effective voltage experienced in regions between the bus bars and regions proximate the bus bars. Regions near the bus bars experience the highest effective voltage.

Abstract: A communication device including a ground element and an antenna element is provided. An edge of the ground element has a notch, and the antenna element includes a metal element disposed inside the notch. The metal element of the antenna element has a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are spaced away from each other and are respectively positioned adjacent to two ends of a diagonal line of the notch. The first end is used as a first feeding point of the antenna element, and the second end is used as a second feeding point of the antenna element. The first feeding point is coupled through a switch and a first matching circuit to a first signal source, and the second feeding point is coupled through an inductive element and a second matching circuit to a second signal source.

Abstract: Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs 10 connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a 1 connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A system providing consistent and intense sunlight to light-guiding structures for redirecting sunlight to the interior of a building is presented. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes an illumination system comprising a solar redirector and at least one optical converter. The solar redirector can be configured to extend outward from a wall of a building and to redirect sunlight to exterior sections of the wall below the solar redirector. The optical converter can be configured to mount on at least one of the exterior sections of the wall and to receive the redirected sunlight and distribute the redirected sunlight to an interior of the building.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination roof top solar installation tool, and more particularly, to a tool for measuring, securing, and supporting solar installation equipment to allow for quick, safe, consistent, and efficient installations. The tool may include a first housing, a second housing, and third housing that fit telescopically together and are secured through a clip locking mechanism that extends the housings when released via a clip and roller system. The tool has ruling etched along the top of the housings, a level, and also has a series of ratchet heads for tightening and loosening tools on a roof. The invention may include a series of seam clamp holes along the surface of the housings, which receive a seam clamp. The invention may also have an elongating device secured onto one of the housings, which is used for measuring distances beyond the length of the installation tool.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing. The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: A window lighting system may include a frame (1071, 1171, 1271, 1471) defining a perimeter of a window (1070, 1170, 1270, 1470). The frame may have a hollow interior. A driver (30), which may be located within the hollow interior or external to the window lighting system, may be configured to drive one or more light sources (1076, 1176, 1276, 1486). A lens (46) may be disposed along the hollow interior to focus light emitted by the one or more light sources across a surface of the window or into an interior of a building.

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 manufactured item for the building industry is disclosed, made mainly of bottom ash and/or debris coming from incineration processes of municipal solid waste or of waste which may be assimilated thereto and/or of RDF and of one or more binders. Such manufactured item may have the shape of small bricks, bricks, blocks, small blocks, curbs, interlocking paving blocks, panels, tiles, prefabricated slabs, beams, elements for walls, modular building elements, indoor and outdoor cladding elements, blocks, rocks, supports. Moreover, a process for the manufacture of an item for the building industry is disclosed, from bottom ash and/or debris coming from incineration processes of municipal solid waste or of waste which may be assimilated thereto and/or of FDR wherein the ash and/or debris undergo an oxidation process of the amphoteric metals and mixed with a binder.

Abstract: An improved gutter system which utilizes an anchored roof segment. The roof segment allows the attachment of a gutter body or a fascia cover via a ball and socket type joint. In order to make the system more aesthetically pleasing, a decorative molding of any color or shape may be attached to the front wall of the gutter body or the fascia cover. Preferably the decorative member resembles a crown molding commonly used in the construction industry; however, an infinite number of profiles are possible and only depend on the designer of the decorative member.

Abstract: A circuit for a flat panel display, capable of displaying images, is provided. The circuit includes an image storage and processing block for the images to be displayed, a display and timing controller block controlling the display operation, an image pixel matrix containing a multitude of rows and columns arranged pixel elements. The circuit also includes one or more controlled row driver blocks, one or more controlled column driver blocks, and a pixel display operation for displaying pixel elements employing an advanced multi line addressing operation applied to a row and/or column drive activated pixel element display operation.

Abstract: A method for constructing a structure from ice in a low-temperature environment includes providing a plurality of icicles and attaching icicles to each other to form a framework of icicles. Additional ice is grown on the framework, and then the steps of providing icicles, attaching icicles to each other and to the existing framework, and growing additional ice on the framework are repeated as needed until the structure is completed.

Abstract: The raised flooring apparatus and system may be used to construct a raised floor directly onto joists while accommodating commonly accepted building practices utilizing 16? and 24? center to center joist spacing.

Abstract: A spacer for use in spacing a cladding component from a building component has a support member, a base spaced apart from the support member, the base having a contact surface facing away from the support member, a web connected between the support member and the base, and a guide configured to locate the cladding component on the support member. A plurality of the spacers can be used by resiliently deforming them to accommodate and retain by restorative bias force a corresponding plurality of portions of the cladding component. Thereafter, the spacers are secured to the building component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved building block formed of recycled straw stalks, a mold for forming the block, and a method of forming the block. The improved block provides a moisture and pest resistant building block having high dimensional tolerances and being capable of long term use without structural degradation.

Abstract: The painting method disclosed is carried out by providing a curable liquid paint composition and an edging product having a colored surface and an adhesive surface opposite to the colored surface. The colored surface of the edging product is preferably a previously manufactured surface closely matching the to-be-used paint composition once the paint composition has been permitted to cure. The edging strip is permanently affixed onto a wall to be painted with the curable paint composition, with an edge of the edging strip contacting a surface bordering the wall or surface which is not to be painted with the curable liquid paint composition. The wall is then painted with the curable liquid paint composition, and the curable liquid paint composition is partly overlapped onto the edging product. The method provides a crisp even line at the interface between the wall and the bordering surface.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to improvements to composed stave flooring, methods for the production thereof and the corrective maintenance of same. The improvements allow corrective maintenance to be performed without negatively affecting the physical aesthetic and functional properties thereof. The flooring comprises a sight substrate and a base substrate, with the sight substrate having a minimum practical thickness of 4 mm and the base substrate having a minimum practical thickness of 12 mm, the two substrates being assembled using adhesive and securing means that distribute the adhesive uniformly between both substrates, thereby rendering the flooring more durable and stable.

Abstract: A heat and fire protection system and methods of protecting structural elements and assemblies from heat and fire. When a steel structure is erected vertical columns of the structure typically comprise I-sections. In order to provide fire protection for the I-sections and so improve the resistance to fire of the steel structure a column protection system has been developed. The column protection system includes column protection elements which are placed around an I-section. The column protection elements are secured to the I-section. Horizontal beams can also be protected by the column protection system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a geopolymeric cement formed from a precursor having a relatively high alumina content (Si:Al atomic ratio of less than or equal to 1.3:1) to form an alkaline multiphase alumino-silicate material. The precursor comprises basaltic rock in which kaolinization is at an advanced stage, preferably Interbasaltic material found in Northern Ireland. The present invention also provides structural units for constructing a building, the structural units being manufactured using the geopolymeric cement of the invention. The invention also provides a process for producing a geopolymeric cement comprising a precursor having a relatively high alumina content (Si:Al atomic ratio of less than or equal to 1.3:1) to form an alkaline alumino-silicate geopolymer material for manufacturing geopolymeric structural building units having compressive strengths of greater than 3 N/mm2 and preferably having compressive strengths in the range of 12-25 N/mm2.

Abstract: Tab cutting apparatus designed to assist in floor leveling, the tab cutting apparatus including a base designed for movement along the surface of a floor. A framework is affixed to the base and supports a vertically movable portion above the base. The framework and vertically movable portion include height control apparatus capable of moving the movable portion vertically relative to the framework. Height sensing apparatus is affixed to the movable portion. A cutting element is affixed to the movable portion and positioned at a fixed distance below the height sensing apparatus. The cutting element is designed to cut an upright ribbon or rod portion of a leveling tab.

Abstract: A wall molding system using two (2) prefabricated panels, with finished exterior surfaces placed parallel to each other and held from the inside by separators-anchors. The panels may also use exterior fasteners to hold the weight and pressure of the concrete. Insulating material and structural reinforcements may also be placed inside the mold. Concrete would be used to fill the spaces between the panels.

Abstract: An emulsion composition for building exterior walls is provided comprising in admixture, [A] a graft copolymerized emulsion obtained by adding to (1) an oil-in-water type emulsion containing at least one organopolysiloxane having an organic group containing a radical reactive group or SH group, (2) a monomer or monomeric mixture containing at least 70 wt % of at least one monomer selected from acrylic and methacrylic monomers and effecting emulsion graft polymerization of component (2) to the organopolysiloxane, and [B] a silicone resin-containing emulsion. The emulsion composition is capable of forming an elastic, flexible coating which is endowed with water resistance, weather resistance, water repellency, adhesion and heat resistance and maintains these properties over a long period of time. It can thus be used as a base in a variety of paints and coating agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand alone system for generating electrical power using hydraulic supports on which a weighted object is mounted. A pump injects fluid into the supports to raise the weighted object and thereby store energy in the elevated object. A valve can be opened to deliver fluid under pressure to a turbine or hydraulic motor driven generator to generate electricity.

Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions that include a carbonate compound composition, e.g., a salt-water derived carbonate compound composition containing crystalline and/or amorphous carbonate compounds, are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the hydraulic cements, as well as settable compositions, such as concretes and mortars, prepared therefrom. The cements and compositions produced therefrom find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: A panel system is provided that may be used to access underlying apparatus, such as utility lines underlying a dental or medical cabinet. The panel system may connect to a frame via, for example, a magnetic element. The panels may include substantially planar or smooth outwardly facing surfaces that may be readily cleaned, sanitized, or disinfected to provide an aseptic surface. The frame may be a support member on, for example, a cabinet, a cart, or a storage devices used in a dental or medical office.

Abstract: A door panel that permits formation of small ventilation holes therein while ensuring adequate rigidity is provided. The door panel includes an outer panel, an inner panel, and a perforated ridge-and-furrow plate. The outer panel has openings, and the inner panel has openings. The inner panel is formed by means of press molding so as to have an uneven surface with recessed portions and a raised portion, with the raised portion protruding away from the outer panel and the recessed portions recessed towards and fixed to the inner surface of the outer panel. The perforated ridge-and-furrow plate is attached to the reverse side of the inner panel. The perforated ridge-and-furrow plate is a punching plate that is already provided with numerous small, circular ventilation holes, or with ventilation holes arranged in a mesh or a honeycomb shape. The perforated ridge-and-furrow plate includes alternating furrow portions and ridge portions formed in the region that corresponds to the openings of the inner panel.

Abstract: A truss connector for releasably coupling ends of truss structures in a quick and uniform fashion. The connector connects trusses, end-to-end, by binding to their tubular truss members in spigot fashion with an arbor, traveling nut and expandable collet assembly and by binding to the truss gusset plates in a directly fastened, mated plate assembly.

Abstract: A concrete building structure is formed or a concrete unit having a closed trapezoid shape of four interconnected sidewalls. The unit is formed of interconnected pre cast concrete sections or cast-in-place sidewalls. A pair of units may be arranged in an abutting side-by-side pair configuration. A plurality of units may be arranged in various configurations, inner and outer concentric rings and in a multi level tiered arrangement. Hallways are formed between adjacent units and may be covered by a deck.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction element (1) for use in interior decoration of a building construction (5), comprising a body (2) having a functional, non planar shape by which the construction element is adapted for fulfilling an additional function with respect to wall plastering (6) and which is provided to remain uncovered by wall plastering. The construction element (1) comprises joining elements (4) at one or more peripheral edges (3) of the body (2), adapted for being covered with wall plastering (6) which is applied around the peripheral edges (3) for covering part of the building construction (5). The body (2) and the joining elements (4) are constructed in a reinforced wall plastering material.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting formwork panels in wall construction comprises a pair of rails for supporting the lower edges of a pair of formwork panels. Spacers fixed to the floor engage the rails to maintain them parallel to one another a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: A prayer enclosure which can be constructed as a free-standing enclosure or attached to a structure or built into a closet and includes an enclosure interior, typically closed by a door. The enclosure interior is fitted with an alter and alter support, which alter support typically defines an alter recess, a kneeler storage recess and a kneeler having a kneeler recess for accommodating literature such as a Bible and Bible reference books. Above the alter is an interior cross emblem, typically fitted with an interior cross border and a decorative light fixture can be mounted on the top panel of the enclosure frame. A literature holder or holders may also be provided in the enclosure interior, to facilitate a prayer enclosure for accommodating an individual, typically in the kneeling position and typically for prayer purposes.

Abstract: One embodiment of a southward facing trapezoidal shaped passive solar heat gaining building with basement walls used for heating the building on cold days, and cooling the building on hot days. The specially colored blinds FIG. 4, and shade 24 are features to aid the building in using nearly no energy for lighting, heating, and cooling. Upside down U shaped basement wall 40 and 42 are a unique feature that prevent leaks. This building, when elongated outward in the form of a large store, has parking along its perimeter allowing for time saved in people walking to and from cars, and saves conveyance waste in the form of a large manufacturing plant being able to have trucks deliver parts very close to the place where the parts are needed. Incidentally, because the building may be long and narrow and not square, it is safer if it catches fire because people can exit drastically quicker, and fire trucks can park near the fire and reach it quicker to put it out quicker.

Abstract: Building wall panels having lightweight hollow core interiors include embodiments suitable for interior and exterior walls, for industrial, commercial or residential buildings, and for multi-story structures. Various methods for making these wall panels are disclosed, including the formation of cast gypsum firewall layers.

Abstract: This application relates to improvements to data centers, including protection from: (1) vandalism, (2) high winds, (3) earthquake, (4) storms, (5) water used for cooling or fire suppression, and (6) explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building.

Abstract: A removable clean out cover, the cover attaches to the area surrounding an opening of a wall. The clean out cover has a border that is adjacent and within the periphery of the clean out cover. The border houses an attachment strip, wherein one side of the attachment strip is fixedly attached to the border. A removable strip covers the side of the attachment strip that is not attached to the border. The border might have a width of at least one eight of an inch. The border might be channeled shaped. The attachment strip might be made of hook and loop materials.

Abstract: Prefabricated decorative capital includes an axial recess extending partway therethrough from a lower end wall for receipt of an upper end of a prefabricated architectural column shaft. The depth of the recess is somewhat less than the length of the upper end of the column shaft above an external neck ring on the column shaft, whereby when the upper end of the column shaft is received in the recess with the uppermost end of the column shaft flush against the bottom wall of the recess, there is a slight gap between the lower end wall of the capital and the neck ring so the load acting on the capital is transferred to the uppermost end of the column shaft and not to the neck ring.

Abstract: A music and arts facility includes a campus incorporating a studio section, a video cast stage, an internet communication center and a café. The facility may also include an art gallery and a library. In addition, a method of advancing music and arts include offering membership to a network of musicians and artists and providing members of the network with access to a recording studio, a video cast stage and an internet communication center.

Abstract: A striplike body of vegetation which is used to cover roofs with thin layers of vegetation. The inventive body of vegetation is comprised of structural matting arranged on at least one base. The structural matting can be filled with a substrate and germinative plant material, especially seeds, shoots, spores or parts of shoots. The base consists of a feltlike nonwoven material which is only slightly permeable with respect to wind but which has a substantial water storage capacity. According to the invention, the striplike body of vegetation is characterised in that at least the base is permeable with respect to wind as a result of the introduction of holes.

Abstract: A decking tool is disclosed which has a tool body (12) having side edges (12b). A detachable spacer bar (310) having spacer plates (25) is removably connected to the body (12) by holes (311) and stems (305) and wing nuts (306). The spacer plates (25) have parallel side edges (320) and tapering surfaces (321) for location between decking boards to space the decking boards apart. The spacer plates (25) are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the width of the decking boards. The spacer bar (310) can be replaced by another spacer bar which has plates for different spacing to suit different sized decking boards. One of the edges (12b) forms a guide for a nail gun to facilitate nailing of the decking boards to floor joists.

Abstract: A block set for assembling solid creations uses at least two types of cylindrical blocks. The cylindrical blocks are a thin cylindrical block and a thick cylindrical block. The thick cylindrical block may include a hole on a side face thereof for receiving the thin cylindrical block. A fabricating apparatus for fabricating the thin and thick cylindrical blocks has at least two types of rollers for rolling up paper, and a paper thickness notifying apparatus for notifying the user of the diameter of the cylindrical paper roll on a cylindrical paper roll up core.