21 |
ADAPTIVE VENTILATING WINDOW FOR DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS |
US15197204 |
2016-06-29 |
US20160340959A1 |
2016-11-24 |
Masoud Valinejadshoubi; Alireza Bozorgi; Saeideh Bagheri rad |
A window frame supports a central panel, with two adjacent pivoting side panels. The pivoting side panel includes two frames coupled by a hinge. Two side panel pivot actuators couple to the pivoting side panels. Movable awnings support photovoltaic modules to provide a power source. An awning open-close actuator couples to the movable awnings. Indoor and outdoor sensors send measurements to the controller that, based on the measurements, selectively operates the awning open-close actuator and the side panel pivot actuators. |
22 |
DOWNLIGHT STRUCTURES FOR DIRECT/INDIRECT LIGHTING |
US15175952 |
2016-06-07 |
US20160290577A1 |
2016-10-06 |
SERGIY VASYLYEV |
An optically transmissive light directing sheeting and a method of making the same are disclosed. The light directing sheeting includes a core sheet of an elastic material that can be laminated onto other surfaces or sandwiched between sheets of various rigid materials. The core sheet includes a plurality of deep and narrow parallel channels configured to direct light by means of a total internal reflection. The method includes a step of slitting of a soft, optically transmissive plastic sheet with a blade and forming at least one array of substantially parallel linear slits in a surface of the sheet, a step of stretching the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the linear slits, and a step of bonding the sheet to a different sheet of an optically transmissive, rigid material. Various light directing devices employing the light directing sheeting are also disclosed. |
23 |
Trellis with internal drainage system |
US14512611 |
2014-10-13 |
US09328516B2 |
2016-05-03 |
Ned Albert; Eric Goodman; Timothy J. Michel |
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. |
24 |
LIGHT DIRECTING SHEETING AND SYSTEMS EMPLOYING THE SAME |
US14797102 |
2015-07-11 |
US20160025288A1 |
2016-01-28 |
SERGIY VASYLYEV |
An optically transmissive light directing sheeting and a method of making the same are disclosed. The light directing sheeting includes a core sheet of an elastic material that can be laminated onto other surfaces or sandwiched between sheets of various rigid materials. The core sheet includes a plurality of deep and narrow parallel channels configured to direct light by means of a total internal reflection. The method includes a step of slitting of a soft, optically transmissive plastic sheet with a blade and forming at least one array of substantially parallel linear slits in a surface of the sheet, a step of stretching the sheet in a direction perpendicular to the linear slits, and a step of bonding the sheet to a different sheet of an optically transmissive, rigid material. Various light directing devices employing the light directing sheeting are also disclosed. |
25 |
Modular Portable Energy System |
US14686565 |
2015-04-14 |
US20150288177A1 |
2015-10-08 |
Bette Korman |
The present invention relates to an alternative power generation system, comprising a portable electricity harvesting device for generating electrical power, a power unit coupled to said portable electricity harvesting device including circuitry for processing electrical power generated by said portable electricity harvesting device and storing said electrical power in a battery within said power unit, and a plurality of distribution components in electrical communication with said power unit and a plurality of devices to be electrically powered. |
26 |
TRELLIS WITH INTERNAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM |
US14512611 |
2014-10-13 |
US20150101260A1 |
2015-04-16 |
Ned Albert; Eric Goodman; Timothy J. Michel |
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. |
27 |
Daylight harvesting shelf and method of improving interior natural light |
US13892735 |
2013-05-13 |
US08885255B2 |
2014-11-11 |
Isamu James Yokota |
A method and device for improving natural lighting within buildings is provided. The device comprises a controllable shelf having an upper, specular reflective surface for directing natural light into interior spaces and against interior ceilings. The shelves can be static or pivotable to redirect light based on the day and time of year. The pivotable shelf can be rotated downward or upwards to change the angle with which the light is reflected into the adjacent window, while its position is below the window and along the exterior of the building. This improves interior natural lighting and reduces electrical lighting costs using either a static shelf or movable shelf, wherein the assembly is deployable in a commercial or residential environment without blocking any naturally entering light through the window itself. |
28 |
WINDOW AS SOLAR HVAC PORTAL |
US14006949 |
2012-03-23 |
US20140290157A1 |
2014-10-02 |
Roger D. Wilson |
Described are a cooperating solar energy collector panel and an energy converter, at least one of which is adapted to fit within a window opening. Preferably, the solar collector panel and/or energy converter are movable into or within the window opening to allow for the window to still be able to open to let in fresh air, or be free from obstruction to permit entry of light or a view to the outdoors when the solar collector panel and/or energy converter are not in use. In one version, the solar collector panel is adapted to be remote from the window opening, for example, on the top of an awning above the window opening. The bottom of the awning in this case may be adapted to contain an energy converter which may be moved into the window opening to distribute heat into a building. |
29 |
Modular shelter assembly |
US13466515 |
2012-05-08 |
US08683752B1 |
2014-04-01 |
Orlando Gonzalez |
A modular shelter assembly is presented. In particular, the shelter assembly comprises a mounting member structured to be secured to a predetermined support, a support beam outwardly spaced from the mounting member and the predetermined support, a plurality of track beams each disposed in interconnecting, supported relation to the mounting member and the support beam, the mounting member, the support beam and the plurality of track beams collectively comprising a modular construction, and the modular construction at least partially defined by an at least initially adjustable interconnecting relation of the plurality of track beams to both the mounting member and the support beam. |
30 |
Pivoting Shelters |
US13450139 |
2012-04-18 |
US20120317897A1 |
2012-12-20 |
Mansen W. Way |
A pivoting shelter comprises a support member, such as a support post, and a pivot affixed to the support member. The pivoting shelter has a shelter member attached to the pivot such that the shelter member is capable of rotating relative to the support member about a rotational axis. The pivot is attached to the shelter member so that the rotational axis is substantially perpendicular to a primary plane of the shelter member and at a position along the side of the shelter member other than the center of a side. For example, the rotational axis may be located substantially at a corner of the shelter member. |
31 |
AWNING BRACKETS AND FRAME |
US13189712 |
2011-07-25 |
US20120193036A1 |
2012-08-02 |
DENNIS LAMOTTE |
An apparatus and system to removably install, or replace, an awning panel. The awning panel is mounted on a wall or structure or similar vertical surface by insertion into a pair of mounting brackets that have been affixed to the wall. The mounting brackets may be mounted at any distance apart, and thus may accommodate awnings of different sizes. The mounting brackets comprise a right and left bracket, each comprising an angled support art, a holding member, a vertical support member, and a top support member. Supporting members along the sides of the awning panel slide into the space or slot formed by the angled support arm and the holding piece, and is further supported by the angled support arm extending along the underside of the supporting members. The angled support arm may be fixed at a set angle, or may be adjusted to different angles. A cover panel may be used to shield the awning panel, with the cover panel mounted on separate brackets or on the same brackets with the awning panel. |
32 |
Method and apparatus for making an awning structure |
US11242513 |
2005-10-03 |
US08104527B1 |
2012-01-31 |
Srinivas Konda; Katherine Ruth Konda |
A method and apparatus for joining angularly oriented side planar members into an otherwise orthogonal awning frame of open ended side plane and transverse members joined by fitted right angle connectors has the angularly oriented member cut to length at end angles that provide a flush fit to the side plane members at transverse member connections and lengths of formed right angle section material, cut at the same flush fitting angles as the tubing end angle cuts, for fastening to inwardly facing surfaces of the planar and transverse members, so as to present a smooth exterior surface for supporting an awning cover. |
33 |
Sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly |
US12762528 |
2010-04-19 |
US08082697B2 |
2011-12-27 |
Robert T. Griffiths |
A mounting bracket assembly is included that is capable of securing an associated rigid sunscreen on an associated building structure. The mounting bracket assembly can include a first bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated building structure and a second bracket that is adapted for securement on the associated rigid sunscreen. The first bracket can include a first interengaging feature, and the second bracket can include a second interengaging feature that is cooperative with the first interengaging feature of the first bracket. A sunscreen and mounting bracket assembly, a sunscreen and mounting bracket kit, and a method of assembly are also included. |
34 |
HEAT AND WIND SCREEN FOR THE BUILDING INDUSTRY |
US12524280 |
2007-01-23 |
US20110030286A1 |
2011-02-10 |
Jacques Pigerre |
The “heat- and wind-screen for the building industry” is an original and economical concept that increases comfort inside buildings subject to strong solar radiation. It comprises cladding the roof and/or the walls with perforated metal sheets and using spacers having an original design and disposition. The investment is low due to the proposed mounting mode and the low cost of the materials used. Savings can then be achieved by reducing the energy consumption for the air-conditioning of the building. The structure of the “heat- and wind screen for the building industry” induces important load losses for the winds on their path about the building and the building it covers exhibits a better resistance to strong winds. The “description” section successively contains the description of the device, the physical properties used, the performance measured on a model and an experimental house, a mounting technique, and a proposal for modelling the action of winds in order to justify the care to be taken when finishing the mounting of ridge tiles. |
35 |
OBSERVATION SHELTER |
US11616225 |
2006-12-26 |
US20070175109A1 |
2007-08-02 |
David Stollery |
An observation shelter includes a plurality of generally upright walls including a first wall having a first window opening positioned therein and a second wall having a second wall positioned therein. First and second shutters are movable between respective raised and closed positions. The first and second shutters have respective shapes configured such that the shutters when in their respective raised positions meet at a joint extending from said corner to provide substantially continuous shelter from the sun for the first window opening and second window opening, and wherein with the first and second shutters in their respective closed positions, an extension portion of the first shutter is received in a pocket portion of the second shutter. |
36 |
Method and device for producing composite elements and composite element |
US10558332 |
2004-05-15 |
US20070154705A1 |
2007-07-05 |
Christoph Doeppner; Rolf Schneider |
The aim of the invention is to produce composite elements comprising two glass panes (20, 21) with at least one insert (22), which is placed therebetween and whose surface is not complete with regard to the outer elements, e.g. its surface is perforated, and with at least one transparent, thermoplastic film layer (23). To this end, the composite element prepared in such a manner is placed inside a room from which air can be evacuated and is placed under compacting pressure. By increasing the temperature to a softening point of the film layer, the insert is joined to both glass panes by pressing, during which gases are forced out of the holes, recesses, etc. in the insert and are filled with the film material. This results in a bubble-free, optionally reinforced composite glass element that has an interesting appearance while also being provided with additional functions. |
37 |
Molded plastic canopy |
US11171530 |
2005-06-30 |
US20070000186A1 |
2007-01-04 |
William Adams |
A lightweight, molded plastic canopy has a sloped or peaked roof and mounting flanges that enable the canopy to be attached to an exterior wall above a door. The canopy is configured so that several canopies can be nested together for display and shipment. |
38 |
Apparatuses and methods for manufacture and placement of truss assemblies |
US10459654 |
2003-06-10 |
US06993880B2 |
2006-02-07 |
Brad S. Cameron; John Drozdek; Mark Wasinger; William D. Knudson |
The present invention provides for an improved method of fabricating trusses. The improved trusses are made from elongated, tubular members forming the chords and/or webs. A metal connector plate is used to connect the chords and webs to form the truss. Further, modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of trusses into truss assemblies. Additionally, other modifications of the connector plates are used to facilitate the connection of the trusses to the supporting structure. |
39 |
Adjustable awning |
US10421437 |
2003-04-23 |
US20040211527A1 |
2004-10-28 |
Sammye
Humble |
An adjustable support for an awning has first and second attachment points for mounting to a building structure on both sides of an opening, such as a door or window opening. Each of the attachment points receive a complimentary pivotable fastener, which can be locked into a fixed position. An elongate top rail is mounted on the building above the door or window opening, and supports an upper side of the awning. Two arms are connected by a cross bar that supports a lower side of the awning. Each of the two arms include the complimentary pivotable fastener on one end for engaging the attachment points. As such, the awning is positionable in a plurality of angles relative to the building structure by pivoting the fasteners in the attachment points and locking the fasteners at the desired position. |
40 |
Roof seismic motion-absorbing gap cover |
US09883517 |
2001-06-18 |
US06675539B2 |
2004-01-13 |
Thomas A. Shreiner |
A seismic roof motion-absorbing gap cover assembly includes an elongated y-axis slideway affixed to a building unit B on one side of the gap and extending parallel to the gap and a y-axis slider slidably received on the y-axis slideway. Roof support members are secured to the y-axis slider in spaced apart relation against horizontal movements. A roof having one end affixed to a building unit A on the other side of the gap spans the gap and is supported on the roof support members by elongated spaced-apart x-axis slide members for movement along an x-axis perpendicular to the gap. Each x-axis slide member has a length such that it is supported by the roof support member throughout a range of displacements in the x-axis direction of the building units between maximum and minimum design displacements in an earthquake from a neutral position. |