A superstructure for a traffic surface is provided, the superstructure including a base layer of a mastic asphalt, and an intermediate layer of a porous asphalt arranged on the base layer, wherein the base layer seals a lower side of the intermediate layer at least in a liquid-tight manner. The superstructure comprises a top layer of a mastic asphalt arranged on the intermediate layer, wherein the top layer seals an upper side of the intermediate layer at least in a liquid-tight manner. The superstructure includes at least one sealing wall of a mastic asphalt arranged on at least one side surface of the intermediate layer, wherein the at least one sealing wall connects the base layer to the top layer and seals the at least one side surface in at least a liquid-tight manner. A method for manufacturing the superstructure is also provided.

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.

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.

A compact heat recovery unit which includes separate and distinct thermal cores housed in their own channels. Each thermal core and its respective channel is moved at intervals. When a thermal core and its channel is inserted into a high temperature fluid flow, the thermal core absorbs the heat. When this heated thermal core and its channel is then later inserted into a low temperature fluid flow, the low temperature fluid is preheated by the heated thermal core. This operation is repeated with at least two independent thermal cores and their respective channels to maintain substantially continual pre-heating of received low temperature fluid. Similarly, the compact heat recovery unit can be used in a cooling application where pre-cooling of received higher temperature fluid is executed.

Some deck or patio areas constructed of pavers mounted on adjustable pedestal supports must remain snow and ice free on their top surfaces. The pedestal-mounted paver heating system is designed to allow easy installation of electric heating cable that is positioned against the bottom surface of pavers so that heat generated by the cable is efficiently transferred up into the pavers to raise their temperature enough to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice on their top surfaces.

The present invention provides a pavement deicing or snow-melting system, comprising a water-permeable pavement, a drainage device and a heating device, wherein the water-permeable pavement comprises, successively from the top down, a water-permeable asphalt concrete coating, a porous cement stabilized macadam layer, a reflecting layer, a waterproof layer, a semi-rigid base and a semi-rigid cushion; the drainage device comprises a drainage ditch and a sheet cover; a water inlet is formed on the drainage ditch; a lower edge of the drainage ditch is not lower than the waterproof layer; curbs are arranged on edges of the water-permeable asphalt concrete coating and the porous cement stabilized macadam layer; and, the heating device is arranged between the water-permeable asphalt concrete coating and the porous cement stabilized macadam layer.

Heated surfaces for melting snow and ice are described herein. Some implementations include a highly integrated panel having upper and lower main structures secured to one another by an attachment through openings. Multiple panels can be connected together by means of load transfer devices on the upper and lower main structures. Other implementations include a melting panel with individual tiles, adhesives, structural materials, resistance-heating materials, electrically conductive materials, and thermally conductive materials. Power to the panels in the form of electricity may be provided via electrical wires and connectors, and further transmitted between the various parts of the panels. Still other implementations include embedded heating elements with adhesives, structural materials, resistance-heating materials, electrically conductive materials, and thermally conductive materials.

A suspension mounted heating system is designed to allow easy installation of electric heating cable that is positioned against the bottom surface of a suspended stair or walkway so that heat generated by the cable is efficiently transferred up into the stair or walkway material to raise its temperature enough to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice on the material's top surface.

A refrigeration and/or heat transfer device includes a heating section and cooling section, a release member, and a one-way check valve affixed together in a continuous loop so working fluid may flow in one direction therein. The heating section absorbs heat and transfers such heat to the working fluid, thereby heating, expanding and increasing pressure upon the working fluid therein. The pressurized working fluid is released in a regulated manner from the heating section to the cooling section, thereby carrying the heat away. The released working fluid cools and transfers its heat to the surroundings within the cooling section. As released working fluid enters the cooling section, such fluid displaces already cooled working fluid, pushing such fluid through the one-way check valve back into the heating section to absorb heat. The working fluid may undergo a phase change or remain in a single phase throughout to enhance heat transfer.

A customizable tile system includes a tile disposed atop a surface; a forced fluid system comprising a pipe disposed below the tile and operatively coupled to a pump; a bladder operatively connected to the pipe, wherein the bladder is selectively inflatable; a sensor operatively coupled to the bladder; and a control system operable to control the pump. The control system includes a processor in data communication with the sensor, and computer memory, the computer memory comprising a program having machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, predicts a location of an impact upon the tile and selectively forces fluid through the pipe to inflate the bladder prior to the impact upon the tile.