According to an embodiment, a method of applying loose-fill insulation within a cavity is provided. The method includes blowing loose-fill insulation particles into a cavity of a structure to install the loose-fill insulation within the cavity and thereby insulate the structure. The method also includes applying water (e.g., water mist) to the loose-fill insulation particles so that a moisture content of the installed loose-fill insulation is between about 2% and 20%. The water aids in retaining the loose-fill insulation particles within the cavity without requiring the use of an enclosure member that encloses the cavity and the loose-fill insulation is substantially free of a water soluble adhesive material that adheres the loose-fill insulation particles together within the cavity.

A system and method for assembling framing assemblies for use as ceiling or floor structures of modular building units using automation are disclosed. The framing assemblies include trusses that are attached at the lateral edges thereof by a joist including at least one layer of dimensional lumber to form a substantially rigid framework. Cover panels are positioned over and attached to an inner surface of the framing assembly.

SPF (spray polyurethane foam) insulation applied in a commercial or residential building is an amazing but costly construction product. One reason is that application of SPF insulation requires large investment capital equipment and a specialized crew for each job. The work is further made difficult because determination of the performance and quality characteristics of the performed work is subjective and still dependent on only primitive tools for normal routine examination. We worked to solve this problem by designing, building, and testing a portable measurement and evaluation system capable of reading any, and all SPF substrates with reliable accuracy and repeatability. With this tool, the applicator or inspector can now efficiently and accurately determine the performance and quality characteristics of the spray foam job and make smart strategic decisions on-demand. Using our system, the average applicator can improve his productivity by 15% per job, can reduce his chemical consumption by 10% per job and the improve overall quality metric of the job. Using our system, the average inspector can reduce the inspection time by 80% per job and can increase the accuracy of his inspection by 20% per job.

According to an embodiment, a method of applying loose-fill insulation within a cavity is provided. The method includes blowing loose-fill insulation particles into a cavity of a structure to install the loose-fill insulation within the cavity and thereby insulate the structure. The method also includes applying water (e.g., water mist) to the loose-fill insulation particles so that a moisture content of the installed loose-fill insulation is between about 2% and 20%. The water aids in retaining the loose-fill insulation particles within the cavity without requiring the use of an enclosure member that encloses the cavity and the loose-fill insulation is substantially free of a water soluble adhesive material that adheres the loose-fill insulation particles together within the cavity.

A machine for distributing blowing insulation material from a package of compressed loosefill insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and outlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive the package of compressed loosefill insulation material. The chute further has a removable hose hub extending within the interior of the chute. The removable hose hub is configured for wrapping with a distribution hose. A lower unit is configured to receive the compressed loosefill insulation material exiting the outlet end of the chute. The lower unit includes a plurality of shredders and a discharge mechanism. The discharge mechanism is configured to discharge conditioned loosefill insulation material into an airstream.

A robotic vehicle, in particular for spraying insulation material, comprises a chassis (110), at least two driven wheels (122) having a common axis of rotation, and a wheel connecting member (151) which connects the two wheels (122). The wheel connecting member (151) is connected to the chassis by a pivotal connection which allows the wheel connecting member to pivot with respect to the chassis about a pivoting axis transverse to the common axis of rotation of the wheels. The wheel connecting member (151) may be removably mounted to the chassis (110).

An automated insulation application system that includes a robotic arm and an insulation end effector coupled at a distal end of the robotic arm, the insulation end effector configured to apply insulation material to a target surface. The system can further include a computing device executing a computational planner that: generates instructions for driving the insulation end effector and robotic arm to perform at least one insulation application task that includes applying insulation material via the insulation end effector to a target surface, the generating based at least in part on obtained target surface data; and drives the end effector and robotic arm to perform the at least one insulation application task.

A machine for distributing blowing insulation material from a package of compressed loosefill insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet portion and outlet portion. The inlet portion is configured to receive the package of compressed loosefill insulation material with the package having a substantially vertical orientation. The chute has a volumetric size. A lower unit is configured to receive the compressed loosefill insulation material exiting the outlet portion of the chute. The lower unit includes a plurality of shredders and a discharge mechanism. The discharge mechanism is configured to discharge conditioned loosefill insulation material into an airstream. The lower unit has a volumetric size. The machine has a volumetric size equal to the total of a volumetric size of the chute and the volumetric size of the lower unit, and wherein the machine has a maximum volumetric size of 12.0 cubic feet.

An automated drywalling system for applying joint compound or plaster to drywall pieces. The system includes a robotic arm and a mudding end effector coupled at a distal end of the robotic arm, the mudding end effector configured to apply joint compound or plaster to a target surface. The system can further include a computing device executing a computational planner that: generates instructions for driving the mudding end effector and robotic arm to perform at least one mudding task that includes applying joint compound or plaster, via the mudding the end effector, to one or more joints between a plurality of drywall pieces, the generating based at least in part on obtained target surface data; and drives the end effector and robotic arm to perform the at least one mudding task.

A thermal insulation injection gun includes a pointed nozzle that prevents blocking of the nozzle by a distal panel of a building cavity and/or by pre-existing insulation within the cavity. In embodiments, the pointed nozzle can be pressed through a panel, thereby forming the injection hole. An enhancement port can be provided through which an enhancing material such as a carrier fluid, particulate or fibrous insulating material, a binder, or a fire retardant can be added and mixed with the insulating material. Embodiments include expanding nozzle wings that can compress pre-existing insulation to create a space on a proximal or distal side thereof for injecting the insulation. A compressible sheath installed over the nozzle can prevent dripping of excess insulation from the panel hole. Exchangeable collars can be used to fix an insertion depth of the nozzle and/or to block selected lateral dispensing ports of the nozzle.