A storm shield apparatus for protecting persons, animals, or property within a bathing structure includes a retractable shield that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The shield is moveable along first and second tracks. In some embodiments, the first and second tracks are disposed on opposing longitudinal end walls proximate the bathing structure, and the shield includes flexible roll-top shield sections. A trough with multiple panels may be positioned under the bathing structure to provide an additional barrier to prevent flying debris from penetrating the bathing structure from its sides, longitudinal ends or bottom. The trough mates with the shield in some embodiments to form a protective enclosure.

The invention is the development of new and unique formulations and mixtures along with unique and improved manufacturing processes for a clear departure for all manufacturing processes in which calcium silicate or cement-based formulations and mixtures are commonly utilized in manufacturing fire liner panel systems of the prior art. The invention serves the current fire protection/training industry with new and unique formulations and mixtures along with improved manufacturing processes that produce a fire liner panels system with enhanced performance characteristics which are unparalleled teachings not present, nor found in any of the prior art.

The invention is the development of new and unique formulations and mixtures along with unique and improved manufacturing processes for a clear departure for all manufacturing processes in which calcium silicate or cement-based formulations and mixtures are commonly utilized in manufacturing fire liner panel systems of the prior art. The invention serves the current fire protection/training industry with new and unique formulations and mixtures along with improved manufacturing processes that produce a fire liner panels system with enhanced performance characteristics which are unparalleled teachings not present, nor found in any of the prior art.

A nuclear reactor seismic isolation assembly includes an enclosure that defines a volume; a plastically-deformable member mounted, at least in part, within the volume; and a stretching member moveable within the enclosure to plastically-deform the plastically-deformable member in response to a dynamic force exerted on the enclosure.

In some embodiments, a shelter includes an impact-resistant panel having an energy-absorbing core positioned between two outer layers, wherein the energy-absorbing core includes a syntactic foam material that has a plurality of hollow microspheres compounded with a polymeric resin.

A multi-direction zip-tie includes a first zip-tie having a first fastener and a first strap integral therewith, and a second zip-tie having a second fastener and a second strap. The second strap can be integral with a head that engaged with a groove in the second fastener, making the second strap interchangeable. The first fastener and the second fastener are configured to be rotatably engaged with each other by a first ratchet structure. The first zip-tie can have a third strap integrally connected to the first fastener. An extension strap can be engaged with one of the first, second, and third straps to add length. The ability of the first fastener and second fastener to rotate relative to each other allows the straps to be placed in the most advantageous position for connecting and securing materials.

A multi-direction zip-tie includes a first zip-tie having a first fastener and a first strap integral therewith, and a second zip-tie having a second fastener and a second strap. The second strap can be integral with a head that engaged with a groove in the second fastener, making the second strap interchangeable. The first fastener and the second fastener are configured to be rotatably engaged with each other by a first ratchet structure. The first zip-tie can have a third strap integrally connected to the first fastener. An extension strap can be engaged with one of the first, second, and third straps to add length. The ability of the first fastener and second fastener to rotate relative to each other allows the straps to be placed in the most advantageous position for connecting and securing materials.

A device to protect a structural member against a cutting threat, such as a saw blade or thermal cutting device, is provided. The device provides a substrate having a cavity disposed therein. A cutting resistant element is disposed within the cavity to impede cutting of a cutting device, such as a saw blade or thermal cutting device, into the cutting resistant element.

Beneficial use structures are disclosed that include coal combustion residuals (CCR) mixed with water and a binder to form a structural material, and adapted to be compacted for use in the formation of the beneficial use structure. Various structures having beneficial uses are described, including compressed air storage facilities and a pumped hydroelectric facility, including such a facility adapted for use with a lock system of a waterway.

A prefabricated building module constructed at a central location and delivered to a construction site via shipping using the intermodal freight transport system and having cold formed wood bracing walls to resist forces in shear and uplift while providing a continuous load path to the foundation system. The module may include interior walls to section the module into rooms and further comprises mechanical, electrical, utility and plumbing aspects of a building, capable of inspection and certification prior to delivery to the construction site. Once arrived at the construction site the building module is anchored to the building foundation and the remainder of the house is built around the building module.