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Intellectual Property

It is impossible to overestimate the sensitivity of this topic but poke at it, we will.  At the moment, the less written here; the better.   Much of this domain is outside our wheelhouse; though it has settled on a few first principles regarding patents, trademarks and copyrights relevant to the user-interest we describe in our ABOUT.

Many large research universities have a watchdog guarding its intellectual property and trying to generate income from it, and; of course, for branding.  We will dwell on salient characteristics of the intellectual property domain with which we reckon daily — highlighting the market actors and the standards they have agreed upon.

Additionally, technical standards developers are generally protected by copyright law, as the standards they create are typically considered original works of authorship that are subject to copyright protection.  In the United States, the Copyright Act of 1976 provides copyright protection for original works of authorship, which includes technical standards. This means that the developers of technical standards have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works based on their standards, and others must obtain permission or a license to use or reproduce the standards.  

Some technical standards may be subject to certain exemptions or limitations under copyright law.  In the United States, there is a doctrine called “fair use” that allows for limited use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, without the need for permission or a license from the copyright owner.  Almost everything we do at Standards Michigan falls under the fair use doctrine.  This is why we have no search feature and most pages are protected.  If we err in this; let us know.  

Innovation management

Why The U.S. And China Fight Over IP

More

  1. Patent Act: This is the primary federal law governing patents in the United States. It sets forth the requirements for obtaining a patent, the rights of patent owners, and the remedies available for infringement.
  2. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 prohibit anticompetitive behavior in the marketplace, including the use of codes and standards to exclude competition.
  3. Title 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations: This contains the rules and procedures related to patents, including rules governing the filing and examination of patent applications.
  4. America Invents Act: This is a major overhaul of the U.S. patent system that was enacted in 2011. It includes provisions such as the transition to a “first-inventor-to-file” system and the creation of new post-grant review procedures for challenging the validity of patents.
  5. Manual of Patent Examining Procedure: This is a guidebook for patent examiners that provides detailed information on the rules and procedures for examining patent applications.
  6. Everett Rogers: Diffusion of innovations
  7. Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17)

 

Protection of Intellectual Property in the Supply Chain

ASTM International Intellectual Property Policy

Healthcare Standards Institute IP Policy

International Code Council Copyright Protection

IEEE Patent Policy

NFPA Regulations and Policies

Underwriters Laboratory Patent Policy

 

Intellectual Property 101

Innovation – Market Acceptance – Standardization – Human Right

print(“Python”)

Python 3.12.5 released

 

“Python is the programming equivalent

of a Swiss Army Knife.”

— Some guy

 

The Python Standard Library

Open source standards development is characterized by very open exchange, collaborative participation, rapid prototyping, transparency and meritocracy.   The Python programming language is a high-level, interpreted language that is widely used for general-purpose programming. Python is known for its readability, simplicity, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced developers alike.  Python has a large and active community of developers, which has led to the creation of a vast ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools that can be used for a wide range of applications. These include web development, scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, and more.

Another important aspect of Python is its versatility. It can be used on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile devices. Python is also compatible with many other programming languages and can be integrated with other tools and technologies, making it a powerful tool for software development.  Overall, the simplicity, readability, versatility, and large community support of Python make it a valuable programming language to learn for anyone interested in software development including building automation.

As open source software, anyone may suggest an improvement to Python(3.X) starting at the link below:

Python Enhancement Program

Python Download for Windows

Python can be used to control building automation systems. Building automation systems are typically used to control various systems within a building, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security, and more. Python can be used to control these systems by interacting with the control systems through the building’s network or other interfaces.

There are several Python libraries available that can be used for building automation, including PyVISA, which is used to communicate with instrumentation and control systems, and PyModbus, which is used to communicate with Modbus devices commonly used in building automation systems. Python can also be used to develop custom applications and scripts to automate building systems, such as scheduling temperature setpoints, turning on and off lights, and adjusting ventilation systems based on occupancy or other variables. Overall, Python’s flexibility and versatility make it well-suited for use in building automation systems.

Subversion®

Building Automation & Control Networks

International Building Code Definitions: Chapter 2

“The Tower of Babel” 1563 | Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Widely accepted definitions (sometimes “terms of art”) are critical in building codes because they ensure clarity, consistency, and precision in communication among architects, engineers, contractors, and regulators.  Ambiguity or misinterpretation of terms like “load-bearing capacity,” “fire resistance,”  “egress” or “grounding and bonding”  could lead to design flaws, construction errors, or inadequate safety measures, risking lives and property.
“Standardized” definitions — by nature unstable — create a shared language that transcends local practices or jargon, enabling uniform application and enforcement across jurisdictions.  Today at the usual hour we explore the nature and the status of the operational language that supports our raison d’être of making educational settlements safer, simpler, lower-cost and longer-lasting.  

 

2021 IBC Chapter 2: Definitions

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE

Group B Documents

Complete Monograph (2650 pages) | Note our proposal on Page 754

Cambridge Center for Smart Infrastructure & Construction

“No village or individual shall be compelled to make bridges at river banks,

except those who from of old are legally bound to do so.”

— Magna Cara Clause 23 (Limiting forced labor for infrastructure) 

“Clare Hall and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, from the Banks of the River Cam” / Joseph Mallord William Turner (1793)

 

Smart Infrastructure: Getting More From Strategic Assets

Dr Jennifer Schooling, Director of CSIC

Dr Ajith Parlikad, CSIC Co-Investigator and Senior Lecturer

Mark Enzer, Global Water Sector Leader

Mott MacDonald; Keith Bowers, Principal Tunnel Engineer, London Underground

Ross Dentten, Asset Information and Configuration Manager, Crossrail

Matt Edwards, Asset Maintenance and Information Manager, Anglian Water Services

Jerry England, Group Digital Railway Director, Network Rail

Volker Buscher, Director, Arup Digital

 

Smart Infrastructure is a global opportunity worth £2trn-4.8trn. The world is experiencing a fourth industrial revolution due to the rapid development of technologies and digital abundance.

Smart Infrastructure involves applying this to economic infrastructure for the benefit of all stakeholders. It will allow owners and operators to get more out of what they already have, increasing capacity, efficiency and resilience and improving services.

It brings better performance at lower cost. Gaining more from existing assets is the key to enhancing service provision despite constrained finance and growing resource scarcity. It will often be more cost-effective to add to the overall value of mature infrastructure via digital enhancements than by physical enhancements – physical enhancements add `more of the same’, whereas digital enhancements can transform the existing as well.

Smart Infrastructure will shape a better future. Greater understanding of the performance of our infrastructure will allow new infrastructure to be designed and delivered more efficiently and to provide better whole-life value.

Data is the key – the ownership of it and the ability to understand and act on it. Industry, organisations and professionals need to be ready to adjust in order to take advantage of the emerging opportunities. Early adopters stand to gain the most benefit. Everyone in the infrastructure sector has a choice as to how fast they respond to the changes that Smart Infrastructure will bring. But everyone will be affected.

Change is inevitable. Progress is optional. Now is the time for the infrastructure industry to choose to be Smart.

 

LEARN MORE:

Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction


Perspective: Since this paper is general in its recommendations, we provide examples of specific campus infrastructure data points that are difficult, if not impossible, to identify and “make smart” — either willfully, for lack of funding, for lack of consensus, for lack of understanding or leadership:

    1. Maintenance of the digital location of fire dampers in legacy buildings or even new buildings mapped with BIM.  Doors and ceiling plenums are continually being modified and the As-Built information is usually not accurate.  This leads to fire hazard and complicates air flow and assuring occupant temperature preferences (i.e. uncontrollable hot and cold spots) 
    2. Ampere readings of feeder breakers downstream from the electric service main.  The power chain between the service substation and the end-use equipment is a “no-man’s land” in research facilities that everyone wants to meter but few ever recover the cost of the additional metering.
    3. Optimal air flow rates in hospitals and commercial kitchens that satisfies both environmental air hazards and compartmentalized air pressure zones for fire safety.
    4. Identification of students, staff and faculty directly affiliated with the campus versus visitors to the campus.
    5. Standpipe pressure variations in municipal water systems
    6. Pinch points in municipal sewer systems in order to avoid building flooding.
    7. How much of university data center cost should be a shared (gateway) cost, and how much should be charged to individual academic and business units?
    8. Should “net-zero” energy buildings be charged for power generated at the university central heating and electric generation plant?
    9. How much staff parking should be allocated to academic faculty versus staff that supports the healthcare delivery enterprises; which in many cases provides more revenue to the university than the academic units?
    10. Finally, a classical conundrum in facility management spreadsheets: Can we distinguish between maintenance cost (which should be covered under an O&M budget) and capital improvement cost (which can be financed by investors)

 

 

Retrodiction

“In a world of infinite information,

the scarce resource is attention.”

Eric Weinstein

 

By design, we do not provide a SEARCH function. We are a niche practice in a subtle, time-sensitive domain with over 30 years of case history in which we have been first movers. We provide links to the most accessed topics in recent days. All queries presented during our “Open Office Hours” every work day, or via email, are gratefully received and prompt a near-immediate response.

Masonry

Fireplace Brickwork

Trowel Trades

Soils and Foundations

Installer Tile Specialist Installation Standards

General Conditions of the Construction Contract

Occupancy Classification and Use

Naming & Signs

Life Safety Code

Abiit sed non oblita | Rebecca Luker

International Property Maintenance Code

THE GLOBAL LANGUAGE FOR COLOUR

Fireplace Safety

Inglenook

Radio 400

Maslenitsa “Pancake Week”

Home Economics

Birds in Winter

Cultural Resource Properties

The “Groundhog Day” Effect

Athletic Equipment Safety Standards

Punxsutawney High School Groundhog Day Assembly

Animal Safety

Throwing Stones

International Zoning Code

City Chickens 101

Abiit sed non oblitus | Michigan

Shoe Fly Pie

Pink Squirrel

7th Edition (2018): Geometric Design of Highways & Streets

Wayfinding

Throwing Stones

Concrete Matters

Life Safety Code

International Zoning Code

Sabbath

Bowling and Billiards

How to Care for Horses in the Winter

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code

LIVE: KWVS 101.5 FM

California Code Adoption for Local Jurisdictions

Climate Psychosis

Sacred Spaces

Chanson de Nuit, Op. 15, No. 1

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Gallery: Planetariums

Peach Mountain Radio Observatory

Observatories & Planetariums

Catcher in the Rye

Mince Pie & Tea

“Season of Light Illumination”

Animal Care during the Holidays

Evensong “Simple Gifts”

Special Events

Dahlgren Hall & “Seasoned” Coffee Mug Stories

Egg Nog Riot of 1826

Pain aux Raisins & Café au lait avec presse française

Textiles

Dresdner Stadtfest

“Season of Light Illumination”

Gallery: Graduation Commencement Speeches

Acoustics

La Loi Ne Fait Plus Le Bonheur

Theater Safety

Pain aux Raisins & Café au lait avec presse française

Alexis de Tocqueville on the Foundations of American Democracy

Abiit sed non oblita | Rebecca Luker

Christmas Bread & Tennessee Raw Milk

International Property Maintenance Code

What is Happening to the Family, and Why?

Charcuterie

BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU

Clery Act

Sports Equipment & Surfaces

Guide to Premises Security

World Census of Agriculture

Healthcare Organization Management

Cinq ans après

International Fire Code

Traditional Latin Mass

Inglenook

Fireplace Lounges

Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

Oxford College Student Center

Preparing Your Garden for Winter

Create a Winter Bird Haven

Duncan Stroik Architect

Code ignis MMXXVII

International Fire Code

Gallery: School Bond Referenda

Refrigeration Systems: Cadaver Preservation

Mortuary Arts

Standard for Interactions Between Medical Examiner, Coroner and Death Investigation Agencies

The Halloween Problem

Waterfowl Research

Monster Culture

Gross Anatomy Lab Renovation

Falsus in uno, Falsus in omnibus

Construction Technology Careers: Carpentry, HVAC, Plumbing

Data Centers

Data Center Wiring

Refrigeration Systems: Cadaver Preservation

Energy Standard for Data Centers

August 14, 2003

Social networks and culture in birds

Color Metrology

Interior Finishes

Color Calculation Standard E3415

GET TO KNOW YOUR CREWS: PAINT SHOP

What Is A Standard Drink?

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code

Paint Hazard Management

Electrical Commissioning Specifications

Construction Technology Careers: Carpentry, HVAC, Plumbing

Sport Lighting

City Chickens 101

LIVE: 91.3 FM Cal Poly Student Radio

Data Center Wiring

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear

Lingua Franca

Water and Sanitation

Bleachers, Folding Seating & Grandstands

Classroom Furniture

First Day of School

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code

“The Boys in the Boat”

Group A Model Building Codes

Acceptable Performance Standard for District Cooling Systems

Farm Electrical Power

Keeping Animals Cool

Farm Electrical Power

Evensong “Knoxville: Summer of 1915”

Peach Mountain Radio Observatory

Uniform Plumbing Code

Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa & Hot Tub Code

International Zoning Code

Energy Standard for *Sites* and Buildings

Protecting Animals When Disaster Strikes

S. 5: Laken Riley Act

Entertainment Occupancies

Steeplechase Water Jump

C++

The Best Student-Friendly Brownies

print(“Python”)

Michigan State University

Oxford College Student Center

Sacred Spaces

Laboratory Fume Hood Safety

University of Iowa | Johnson County

2028 National Electrical Safety Code

Национа́льный иссле́довательский То́мский госуда́рственный университе́т

Robie House

Making Greenwich the centre of the world

Roger Scruton Memorial Lectures

Electrical heat tracing: international harmonization-now and in the future


Winter Vegetable Soup

Electrical heat tracing: international harmonization-now and in the future

Brankscom Hall Toronto

Fire Alarm & Signaling Code

Ice Swimming

Uniform Plumbing Code


Banished Words 2024

Ædificare & Utilization


“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession

of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

 

 

Lovely Day

Recorded January 2015

Mathieu Manach : Percussions

Jean-Michel Warluzelle : Bass & background vocal

Bruno Thivend : Guitar & background vocal

Pierric Tailler : Vocal & guitar

Bill Withers Official Site


Université de Lyon | Fête des Lumières 2019 – Les Rêveries Lumineuses de Léonard

Water and Sanitation

Standards March: Water

Water is essential for sanitation and hygiene — and proper sanitation is essential for protecting water sources from contamination and ensuring access to safe drinking water.  Access to safe water and sanitation is crucial for preventing the spread of waterborne diseases, which can be transmitted through contaminated water sources or poor sanitation practices. Lack of access to safe water and sanitation can lead to a range of health problems, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A.  

On the other hand, poor sanitation practices, such as open defecation, can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for drinking, bathing, or cooking. This contamination can lead to the spread of diseases and illness, particularly in developing countries where access to clean water and sanitation facilities may be limited.

We track the catalog of the following ANSI accredited standards developers that necessarily require mastery of building premise water systems:

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers: ASHRAE develops standards related to heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration systems — and more recently, standards that claim jurisdiction over building sites.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers: ASME develops standards related to boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems.

American Water Works Association: AWWA is a standards development organization that publishes a wide range of standards related to water supply, treatment, distribution, and storage.

ASTM International: ASTM develops and publishes voluntary consensus standards for various industries, including water-related standards. They cover topics such as water quality, water sampling, and water treatment.

National Fire Protection Association: NFPA develops fire safety standards, and some of their standards are related to water, such as those covering fire sprinkler systems and water supplies for firefighting within and outside buildings.  We deal with the specific problems of sprinkler water system safety during our Prometheus colloquia.

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International): NSF International develops standards and conducts testing and certification for various products related to public health and safety, including standards for water treatment systems and products.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL): UL is a safety consulting and certification company that develops standards for various industries. They have standards related to water treatment systems, plumbing products, and fire protection systems.

 

United States Standards System


* The evolution of building interior water systems has undergone significant changes over time to meet the evolving needs of society. Initially, water systems were rudimentary, primarily consisting of manually operated pumps and gravity-fed distribution systems. Water was manually fetched from wells or nearby sources, and indoor plumbing was virtually nonexistent.

The Industrial Revolution brought advancements in plumbing technology. The introduction of pressurized water systems and cast-iron pipes allowed for the centralized distribution of water within buildings. Separate pipes for hot and cold water became common, enabling more convenient access to water for various purposes. Additionally, the development of flush toilets and sewage systems improved sanitation and hygiene standards.

In the mid-20th century, the advent of plastic pipes, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), revolutionized plumbing systems. These pipes offered durability, flexibility, and ease of installation, allowing for faster and more cost-effective construction.

The latter part of the 20th century witnessed a growing focus on water conservation and environmental sustainability. Low-flow fixtures, such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads, were introduced to reduce water consumption without compromising functionality. Greywater recycling systems emerged, allowing the reuse of water from sinks, showers, and laundry for non-potable purposes like irrigation.

With the advancement of digital technology, smart water systems have emerged in recent years. These systems integrate sensors, meters, and automated controls to monitor and manage water usage, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution within buildings. Smart technologies provide real-time data, enabling better water management, energy efficiency, and cost savings.

The future of building interior water systems is likely to focus on further improving efficiency, sustainability, and water quality. Innovations may include enhanced water purification techniques, decentralized water treatment systems, and increased integration of smart technologies to create more intelligent and sustainable water systems.

The first mover in building interior water supply systems can be traced back to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley. However, one of the earliest known examples of sophisticated indoor plumbing systems can be attributed to the ancient Romans.

The Romans were pioneers in constructing elaborate water supply and distribution networks within their cities. They developed aqueducts to transport water from distant sources to urban centers, allowing for a centralized water supply. The water was then distributed through a network of lead or clay pipes to public fountains, baths, and private residences.

One notable example of Roman plumbing ingenuity is the city of Pompeii, which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The excavation of Pompeii revealed a well-preserved plumbing system that included indoor plumbing in some houses. These systems featured piped water, private bathrooms with flushing toilets, and even hot and cold water systems.

The Romans also invented the concept of the cloaca maxima, an ancient sewer system that collected and transported wastewater away from the city to nearby bodies of water. This early recognition of the importance of sanitation and wastewater management was a significant advancement in public health.

While the Romans were not the only ancient civilization to develop indoor plumbing systems, their engineering prowess and widespread implementation of water supply and sanitation infrastructure make them a key player in the history of building interior water systems.

Fellows Coffee Shop

“I have found that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk

that keep the darkness at bay.”

— J.R. R. Tolkein

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tolkien, author of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” completed his studies at the University of Birmingham in 1915. He graduated with first-class honors in English Language and Literature. After graduation, Tolkien went on to serve in World War I before embarking on his distinguished career as a writer and academic.

Old Joe Clocktower | Fixing Old Joe

Roger Scruton “Why Intellectuals are Mostly Left”


Coffee

How Coffee Loves Us Back

The Perfect Cup of Coffee

Best Coffee Spots Near Campus

Social Experiment: Giving College Students Coffee

Bruin Café

 

University of Coffee

“You invent a story, and then the story invents you.”
— Umberto Eco’s Foucault’s Pendulum

 

https://www.accuweather.com/en/it/trieste/213117/weather-forecast/213117?city=trieste

ACCU Weather

Università degli Studi di Trieste

Publication of the Bible jumpstarted literacy

Un mondo fatto bene


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