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.

Structures and methods for controlling road temperature over an underpass space are disclosed, including a structure comprising: footings underlying the road supporting a support assembly comprising: an inner shell; a plurality of beams surmounting the inner shell; an insulating material for thermally isolating the road and the remainder of the support assembly from the underpass space; an outer shell; a temperature control assembly; temperature sensors disposed in the road and the support assembly; and a computer processor configured to receive temperature and weather forecast data; predict changes to the temperature of the support assembly and the road based on the temperature and forecast data; and control the application or removal of heat to the support assembly, based on the predicted changes to the temperature of the support assembly and the road, resulting in the road maintaining a temperature within a predetermined range.

Structures and methods for controlling road temperature over an underpass space are disclosed, including a structure comprising: footings underlying the road supporting a support assembly comprising: an inner shell; a plurality of beams surmounting the inner shell; an insulating material for thermally isolating the road and the remainder of the support assembly from the underpass space; an outer shell; a temperature control assembly; temperature sensors disposed in the road and the support assembly; and a computer processor configured to receive temperature and weather forecast data; predict changes to the temperature of the support assembly and the road based on the temperature and forecast data; and control the application or removal of heat to the support assembly, based on the predicted changes to the temperature of the support assembly and the road, resulting in the road maintaining a temperature within a predetermined range.

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.

The present invention relates to tactile warning panels, and in particular to tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multi-function/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology by integrating tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

The present invention relates to tactile warning panels, and in particular to tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multi-function/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology by integrating tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

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.

Methods, systems and devices for making a pedestrian, vehicular, or other surface resistant to frost, snow and ice by use of heat are disclosed. A composite base or deck element includes a recess to accommodate heating element. A thermal insulator has an upward facing layer of heat-conductive aluminum foil, above which sits the heating element. On top is a pedestrian, vehicular, or other exposed surface, for example a tactile warning surface.

A building system comprising of a plurality of panels wherein the building system is configured to be either superposed an existing structure or a ground surface. The plurality of panels of the building system are shaped so as to be mateable when place adjacent to each other. The panels include a bottom and walls that form an interior volume. The bottom and walls of the panels are manufactured from a thermally conductive material such as but not limited to metal. The interior volume of the panels are filled with a lightweight structural material such as but not limited to polyurethane foam or autoclaved concrete. A first temperature source is disposed within the panels and is configured to have a fluid pass therethrough. A second temperature source is present and is a heating element. The panels are operable to utilize either temperature sources.