Abstract:
A modular building unit for construction of a building comprises a structural frame 40 suitable for interconnection to another modular building unit in construction of the building; and a stud frame wall 80/82 internal to and fixed to the frame. The modular building unit is suitable for handling as a shipping container for transport.
Abstract:
A method for operating a hotel in accordance with environmental conservation principles, and for promoting environmental conservation values and ideas. The method includes a relatively inexpensive and single-level “Green” hotel certification program. The method emphasizes the emotional and consciousness aspects of managing an environmentally-friendly lodging facility. The method includes: assigning an environmentally-themed name to each hotel room in conjunction with a room number; providing a large screen TV in the hotel lobby configured to present a sequence of environmentally-themed images; encouraging environmentally-friendly guest behavior by rewarding such behavior with a valuable reward; installing a plurality of light tubes for illuminating rooms in the hotel with natural sunlight so as to reduce electricity consumption; playing continually in the lobby an environmentally-oriented audio message in an endless loop, thereby communicating a plurality of environmental messages; and placing an environmentally-themed book in each room.
Abstract:
A system for the distribution of resources. The system includes a housing, at least one power generation source connected to the housing, a power control and distribution system and at least one water distillation device, wherein power from at least one power generation source powers that at least a water distillation device.
Abstract:
A parking space arrangement for vehicles is proposed, wherein the parking space arrangement includes a plurality of parking spaces, wherein at least one vehicle can be parked in each parking space, and wherein two adjacent parking spaces are each at an angle of between 15 and 50 degrees with respect to each other.
Abstract:
A modular trade show booth includes a plurality of frame structures connected to form a floor support frame, a first wall support frame and a second wall support frame. A floor panel disposed on the floor support frame. A first wall panel disposed on the first wall support frame, and second wall panel disposed on the second wall support frame. A panel hanger may be attached to the wall panel to facilitate hanging the wall panel on the first wall support frame.
Abstract:
A hotel room with furniture arranged for optimal television viewing from a bed and another location, such as a sofa or second bed. Furniture pieces are connected or closely aligned together and are arranged so that they provide premium viewing for a television, regardless of a location of a person within the hotel room. To this end, embodiments utilize furniture arrangements where the bed and/or sofa are turned at an angle to the walls of the room, and the room is laid out efficiently to account for this different design affect.
Abstract:
A hotel room includes a first area and a second area. The first area includes features to facilitate resting and/or working; the second area includes features that may produce noise or other distractions that are not conducive to resting and/or working. A hanging door can slide between the first and second areas to compartmentalize the resting and/or working area from the other area and reduce noise or distractions between the two areas.
Abstract:
A building construction includes an exterior structure, a secondary floor, and an access structure. The exterior structure includes at least four exterior walls, a primary floor and a roof defining a primary storage space wherein merchandise is stored and displayed. The secondary floor defines a secondary storage and display space within the primary storage space. The secondary floor is spaced above the primary floor a distance sufficient for the display of merchandise between the secondary and primary floors. The secondary floor is also exposed within the primary interior storage space. The access structure provides access between the primary floor and the secondary storage and display space. An excess number of merchandise items stored on the primary floor are stored in the secondary storage space and accessible via the access structure.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in a joining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out. After the joining, the remaining parts of the thickened parts can be machined so as to form a smooth surface.
Abstract:
A modular building structure which can be converted between a variety of usage modes, such as an office, hotel or residential purposes. Each module includes fittings that allow for attachment and detachment of internal components to enable conversion between the usage modes. The modules may be joined in different ways, such as in a checkerboard configuration. Also disclosed are an exchange module to permit the secure exchange of items to or from the building structure to which access is permitted if authorisation information matches an access instruction, and a resource management system to control the use of resources such as electricity and water in which a resource source is chosen that meets rather than exceeds the requirements of the resource demand.