The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

Apparatus (10) for vertical (72) slip forming of concrete walls and columns (55). The apparatus comprises an attachment portion (23) for a frame with a slipform assembly inside comprising an extrusion form providing side walls defining a cavity and actuators (20) to adjust the position of the side walls forms essentially arranged along the longitudinal axis of the slipform assembly. A concrete supply (45) is connected with the slipform assembly for delivering concrete (52, 53, 54) to that cavity through the top open surface. A mechanism (20) is provided for vertically displacing (72) that slipform assembly incrementally relative to the frame. Thus, a concrete structure (55) having a vertical orientation is continuously cast. The actuators (20) adjust the position of the side walls during the incremental vertical movement (72) of the slipform assembly to create new forms for a column or wall with variable diameter, variable form and/or twisted.

Apparatus (10) for vertical (72) slip forming of concrete walls and columns (55). The apparatus comprises an attachment portion (23) for a frame with a slipform assembly inside comprising an extrusion form providing side walls defining a cavity and actuators (20) to adjust the position of the side walls forms essentially arranged along the longitudinal axis of the slipform assembly. A concrete supply (45) is connected with the slipform assembly for delivering concrete (52, 53, 54) to that cavity through the top open surface. A mechanism (20) is provided for vertically displacing (72) that slipform assembly incrementally relative to the frame. Thus, a concrete structure (55) having a vertical orientation is continuously cast. The actuators (20) adjust the position of the side walls during the incremental vertical movement (72) of the slipform assembly to create new forms for a column or wall with variable diameter, variable form and/or twisted.

The present invention is a masonry veneer holding form liner, primarily in pattern shapes of mortar joints surrounding an assembly of placed masonry veneers, usually attach by screws or bolts, to the exterior face of a concrete/cementitious grid flow-through forming panel. Masonry veneers are placed into the masonry veneer holding form liner spaces. When concrete/cementitious material is poured into a vertical or horizontal oriented forming cavity the concrete/cementitious material flows through the grid openings of the grid forming panel's grid openings up to the interior face of the masonry veneer and up to the interior side of the masonry veneer holding form liner. After the concrete/cementitious material hardens the mortar joint pattern holding form liner is released from the exterior of the grid form, exposing the face of the masonry veneer and the concrete/cementitious poured material now representing the mortar joint between the masonry veneers.

An exterior stucco wall construction comprising: a wall frame; sheathing attached to the outer side of the wall frame; a moisture collection channel mounted along a lower margin of the sheathing and having an inner flange, an outer flange, and a support floor extending therebetween, the collection channel further having a plurality of apertures arranged in spaced relation adjacent and along the inner flange; a vapor barrier attached to the sheathing and covering a portion of the upper flange of the collection channel; a moisture impervious board having an inner side provided with drain means to facilitate the downward drainage of moisture to a lower edge located within the collection channel and resting upon its support floor; lath wire secured over the outer side of the board; and, at least one coat of stucco applied over the lath wire.

A stay-in-place concrete formwork system allows stucco to be applied directly to the formwork, avoiding the need to provide a further surface treatment of the wall prior to applying stucco. Apertures are provided on an exterior facing wall of the formwork panel to receive and embed stucco therein. The panel may also be formed with outward stucco-engaging projections. Other features include using rigid insulation to brace the stucco and keep concrete from the apertures, a sealing joint element, extendible panels for use in curved formwork, rainscreen features and an alligator connector panel for adjustable lengths of formwork faces.

Apparatuses and methods associated with creating a form to construct a concrete structure (e.g., a concrete building). In embodiments, an apparatus may comprise a number of forming system components, including but are not limited to a plurality of fixed or adjustable posts; a plurality of fixed or adjustable roof struts, a plurality of fixed or extensible frames; and/or a plurality of mounts. The fixed/adjustable posts, the fixed/adjustable roof struts, and the fixed/extensible frames are selectively and adjustably coupled together to create a form of selected dimensions to construct the concrete structure/building on site with reduced number of pours, e.g., a single pour. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

Apparatuses and methods associated with creating a form to construct a concrete structure (e.g., a concrete building). In embodiments, an apparatus may comprise a number of forming system components, including but are not limited to a plurality of fixed or adjustable posts; a plurality of fixed or adjustable roof struts, a plurality of fixed or extensible frames; and/or a plurality of mounts. The fixed/adjustable posts, the fixed/adjustable roof struts, and the fixed/extensible frames are selectively and adjustably coupled together to create a form of selected dimensions to construct the concrete structure/building on site with reduced number of pours, e.g., a single pour. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

The present invention relates to the creation of structures comprised of earthen-mixed composites. This forming system allows for the efficient creation of structures with relatively low cost, time, and labor with exceptional accuracy. Moreover, the system employs accessible and simple construction materials, allowing users of all skill levels to create structures that may serve as dwellings, educational, working, recreational sites, and the like.

The present invention relates to the creation of structures comprised of earthen-mixed composites. This forming system allows for the efficient creation of structures with relatively low cost, time, and labor with exceptional accuracy. Moreover, the system employs accessible and simple construction materials, allowing users of all skill levels to create structures that may serve as dwellings, educational, working, recreational sites, and the like.