Abstract: A manufacture to protect a structure from destructive earthquakes as well as to secure its stability under the strongest possible wind, having a number of ball transfer units rigidly coupled to a supported superstructure; the same number of pedestal plates supporting the ball transfer units, each having an upper surface having a plurality of curved surfaces with a central depression following the shape of the ball. The force of gravity will keep the structure in its steady initial position when the balls are inset into corresponding depressions at any wind pressure and at slight earthquakes. With magnitude of earth movement exceeding a certain threshold the balls get out of central depressions thus providing a controlled separation of the superstructure from the foundation, and the upper surfaces of pedestal plates with properly designed geometry governs transfer of horizontal movement into the superstructure and prevents hazardous structural vibrations.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an improved transparent panel assembly for fabricating wall and roofing components. The method includes the extrusion of a top and bottom member made of transparent plastic material. Each extruded member includes a top and bottom sheet with interspersed ribs for structural integrity. Each extruded member is supported in spaced relationship by a plurality of beam structures having longitudinal axes substantially normal with the direction of the internal ribs of the extruded panel members. The structure resulting from the improved method includes top and bottom panel members having internal ribs molded in an integral manner, and an elongated support structure mounted between the panel members in a direction substantially normal with the longitudinal axis of the internal ribs.

Abstract: The flooring structure herein comprises a rigid base or substrate (typically wood or concrete), an outer course of ceramic tile or other fracturable material, a high impact strength crack isolation sheet interposed between the base and the tiles. The crack isolation sheet is a thin rectangular sheet, typically of plastic material such as high impact polystyrene, having a flat base portion and a plurality of dimples arranged in a regular geometric pattern and projections extending in one direction (i.e., upwardly) from the base portion. Both the base portion and the projections have holes. The base portion of the crack isolation sheet is adhesively bonded to the base or substrate. A substantially incompressible compression bed material, e.g., mortar or concrete, fills the space between the crack isolation sheet and the tiles but not the space beneath the projections of the crack isolation sheet. The latter space is essentially an unfilled air space.

Abstract: An underground shock-resistant structure comprises a vaulted roof having a ring configuration as viewed from above and a ring-shaped base member, such as a flat floor, joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof. The external surface of the vaulted roof has a continuous convex configuration with a slowly varying radius of curvature and no change of signal such that over pressures and shockwaves striking the external surface of the vaulted roof apply compressive pressures to the vaulted roof and are deflected by the surface. Optionally, there may be one or more basement levels below the flat floor which are enclosed by inner and outer walls having a ring configuration which are joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof. In another option the flat floor may be replaced by an arch with its concavity facing upwards joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof.

Abstract: A roofing tile which has a corrugated thin top wall (11) with an upper shelf (17). The tile is slopingly angled and contains an overhang on the lower edge such that overlapping is accomplished when layed contiguously on a roof (13). One lateral edge includes an upwardly facing shelf or pocket (71) having a pair of beads (77) defining a rain trough (79). An overhang flange (41) on the opposite edge allows the tiles to nest forming a water resistant joint. A support grid (15) is formed by a number of intersecting longitudinally diagonally and transversely extending wall segments integrally formed with the top wall provide a sturdy support. The shelf further contains a number of sockets (21) and the overhang (19) contains a matingly shaped flange member (23) which join together when layed one on the other creating an indexing interface aligning the tiles together and preventing slipping apart. A pair of nails are driven into the roof through holes (69) to further attach the tiles.

Abstract: A prefabricated building panel for applying a stone facing to a building wall which utilizes a metal structural frame having a sloped base plate which drains water from behind a plurality of stone panels whose front surfaces form the stone facing and are attached to the structural frame by unitary anchor rods. The lower stone panels on the structural frame have weep holes aligned with the base plate to drain the water. The unitary anchor rods include two anchor pins which are inserted in, and glued to, depressed bores on the rear side of the stone panels, thereby joining the adjacent stone panels together.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting in an opening of a building frame a window unit having at least one panel mounted in a rectangular framework formed by a pair of left and right longitudinal frames, and an upper transverse frame and a lower transverse frame means which are connected, respectively, to the longitudinal frames at upper and lower positions includes upper connecting metal fixtures fixedly secured to the upper part of said opening of the building frame, and lower connecting metal fixtures fixedly secured to the lower part of the opening of the building frame, the indoor side of the upper transverse frame of said window unit being connected to said upper connecting metal fixtures, and the indoor side of the lower transverse frame means of said window unit being connected to said lower connecting metal fixtures, so that a window unit can be mounted rigidly onto a building frame by a simple operation in such a manner as to prevent deformation or bending of a lower window frame and a transom towards the indo

Abstract: A concrete reinforcement device includes a plurality of spaced vertical reinforcement rods 12, and tiers of horizontal connecting plates 10, 11 to space and interconnect the reinforcement rods 12, the connecting plates in each tier having a peripheral edge provided with spaced apart notches 15 which are engaged with the vertical reinforcement rods 12 respectively and connected firmly therewith by welding, the connecting plates 10, 11 in each tier confining a hole for the passage of concrete.

Abstract: A skylight that may have a domed-type or flat-type glazing and which is adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like. The skylight includes a peripheral curb frame that may include a base frame and an operating leaf frame. A retainer is used for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. The curb frame is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic material having high temperature resistant properties. A glazing cushioning member is disposed between the retainer and the curb frame for providing positioning and cushioning regarding the edge of the glazing. The glazing cushioning member also receives a securing bolt and is dimensioned to control the tightening of the retainer against the glazing. A sealing gasket is provided integral with the frame and, in one embodiment, seals between frame sections, and in another embodiment, seals with the skylight glazing.

Abstract: A surface heating element for placement on a sub-floor and for making a heatable hollow space floor includes a plastic sheet having deep drawn protuberances forming spacers strengthened by ceramic support bodies or by a hardened finish material. The same sheet, or a second sheet connected to it, forms a carrier plate for carrying hot water tubes or other heating elements. The carrier plate may include deep drawn dogs, extending in a direction opposite to the protuberances, for holding the heating elements to the carrier plate; and a hardened finish material may be used to embed the heating elements.

Abstract: A reinforcing steel for use particularly in reinforcing connections. The steel including ribbing and/or shaping along its surface to allow for bonding in concrete, but also including portions where the surface is free of ribbing and/or shaping at points where the steel is intended to be bent. This structure allows for increased load bearing capabilities where bending takes place.

Abstract: A load-bearing plate for false floors includes a plurality of mutually parallel and spaced apart approximately C-shaped metal profiles. The profiles have open bottoms and having tops with parallel, transversely extending recesses formed therein. Bolts are transversely inserted through the profiles for bracing the profiles to one another.

Abstract: A service building (10) having a base assembly (20) formed with a perimeter support portion (21) and a floor portion (22). The perimeter support portion (21) utilizes weight bearing side rails (23) with one or more transverse, weight supporting beam means (35) extending between at least one pair of opposite side rails (23). Decking sheets (30), insulating mats (44) and sump pans (48) are supported from the side rails (23) and beam means (35). Wall panel assemblies (60) are secured to the perimeter support portion (21) by sill connector assemblies (78). Post assemblies (105, 135 and 165) between the wall panel assemblies (60) secure adjacent wall panel assemblies together. A roof (not shown) may be secured to the service building (10) using connector assemblies substantially identical with the post assemblies.

Abstract: An isolator for seismic activity including an upper level for supporting an object to be protected, an intermediate level, and a lower level for attachment to the floor or other structure. An interconnection is provided between the upper and intermediate levels to permit relative movement between the levels along a first axis, and a similar interconnetion is provided between the intermediate and lower levels to permit relative between along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the interconnections includes one or more bars mounted on one of the levels and defining guide faces oblique to the axis of movement, and a lever pivotally mounted on the other of the levels with a roller for engaging the guide faces, with a spring biasing the roller toward the guide faces. The interconnection also includes tracks and bearings riding on the tracks to provide the interface movement between the levels.

Abstract: An eavestrough fitting according to the present invention comprises a body portion of a shape generally corresponding to the eavestrough to be axially received therein, with a fitting on the interior surface including an abutment member positioned to limit the extent to which an eavestrough is axially inserted within the fitting. Retaining tabs extend above and project outwardly from the abutment member and define a slot like opening between the retaining tabs and interior surface of the fitting into which an end portion of the eavestrough is inserted and retained. A sealing arrangement is moulded to the fitting on the interior surface of the fitting in front of the retaining tabs and forms an effective seal between the lower surface of the eavestrough and the eavestrough fitting. This fitting allows for an effective method of joining lengths of eavestrough, whether they be symmetrical or nonsymmetrical, and positively retain the eavestrough within the fitting.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling for clean room installations is disclosed. The ceiling has a suspended ceiling support structure having a plurality of grid openings including a vertical member between each grid opening and flanges extending horizontally from each vertical member so as to form a horizontal surface around a periphery of each grid opening for peripherally supporting a ceiling insert therein. At least one ceiling panel is positioned in a grid opening and peripherally supported by the flanges. An edge cap sealingly engages the ceiling panel edge surface for inhibiting particle emission therefrom. The edge cap comprises an elongated rigid or semi rigid strip of generally U-shaped cross-section having first and second horizontal portions respectively compressively engaging the periphery of the back and front ceiling panel horizontal surfaces and a vertical portion joining the first and second horizontal strip portions adjacent the ceiling panel edge surface.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter has a pair of floor panels hinged together edge-to-edge, and front and rear wall panels hinged along the outer edges of the floor panels such that when the floor panels are collapsed in a side-by-side relationship, the wall panels are disposed closely adjacent one another. When the floor panel is unfolded and the wall panels are disposed in an upright position, various forms of covers may be mounted on the edges of the wall panels to form a shelter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulating glazing which includes two glass sheets spatially separated by an interposed air layer and assembled by a set of two plastic seals, the inside seal being extruded in the form of a bead and the peripheral seal filling all or part of the groove delimited by the glass sheets and the bead which includes on its face in contact with the peripheral seal a protuberance and/or a groove for mutual anchoring of the two seals.

Abstract: A new roofing system (14) for installation on a structure (2) whose existing roof deck (6) and membrane (12) may include depressed regions (8, 10) compensates for the depressed regions with contour cut compensation panels (18). Filler panels (20) are placed atop the roof deck, membrane and any required compensation panels, with opposed perimeter edges (64) of adjacent filler panels abutting. The filler panels are secured to the underlying roof deck with anchor plates (22) and screws (70), one anchor plate preferably securing four adjacent filler panels at the junction of their corners. The filler panels may have uniform thickness (58) or, if a sloped roofing system is to be fabricated, they may have non-uniform thickness (60, 62). Lengths (82, 88) of roofing material (76), such as galvanized metal, are laid atop the upper surface (72) of the filler panels and anchor plates and are secured to the anchor plates with screws (92).

Abstract: A free access floor comprising a plurlaity of units juxtaposed to both traversing and vertical direction, each unit comprising two right-angled triangular plates and first, second and third rectangular covers. Two triangular plates are so arranged to constitute a rectangle by facing their hypotenuses to each other. Two other side of each triangular plate have steps. Each triangular plate has three legs at its corners. The first, second and third rectangular covers are rested on the steps of the triangular plates. The triangular plate can be formed as a right-angled isosceles triangle, the first and the second rectangular covers can be formed as identical, and the third rectangular cover can be formed as a square. Each unit can be so arranged that the hypotenuses of the triangular plates of the adjacent unit are mirror symmetrical to each other. All legs gathering to the corners of each third rectangular cover can be grasped by each retainer.