Abstract: Titanium is deposited using a low-pressure chemical-vapor deposition to provide good step coverage over an underlying integrated circuit structure. A rapid thermal anneal is performed using an ambient including diborane. The rapid thermal anneal causes the titanium to interact with underlying silicon to form titanium silicide. Concurrently, the diborane reacts with the titanium to form titanium boride. A composite barrier layer results. Aluminum is deposited and then patterned together with the composite barrier layer to define a first level metalization. Subsequent intermetal dielectrics, metalization, and passivation layers can be added to form a multi-level metal interconnect structure. The titanium boride prevents the aluminum from migrating into the silicon, while the titanium silicide lowers the contact resistivity associated with the barrier layer. The relatively close match of the thermal coefficients of expansion for titanium boride and silicon provides high thermal stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for producing electrical harnesses. The machine comprises: a rectilinear main conveyor (1) suitable for moving clamps (2) for transferring the ends (4, 5) of lengths (3) of wire; a bench (9); and a station (6) for loading lengths (3) of wire and situated on a first side of the main conveyor, while the loop-forming portions (3a) of said lengths of wire are situated on a second side of the main conveyor. The machine also includes a fixed rectilinear transverse slideway (13) orthogonal to the main conveyor and forming a support for guiding components (18, 19, 20, 21) in translation. The machine further includes a device for moving and positioning components on the slideway, and a clamp (40) for inserting the ends of the lengths of wire, which clamp is mounted on a support that is movable in rotation and in translation relative to an axis (YY) that is orthogonal to the main conveyor and to the slideway.

Abstract: A method of making a scroll-type machine particularly suited for use as a refrigerant compressor and incorporating an improved suspension system for the non-orbiting scroll whereby the latter may be pressure biased for the purpose of augmenting tip sealing. The machine also has a modified wrap tip and end plate profile in order to enhance performance, as well as an improved lubrication system for the drive and a baffle arrangement to provide a directed suction inlet. The machine also has an Oldham coupling utilizing a novel ring element which is non-circular and provides for increased thrust-bearing size, or reduced machine size.

Abstract: A method of forming and a cylinder head for a reciprocating machine wherein the valve seat inserts can be formed from relatively small insert rings. The insert rings are fixed in place and are configured so that the end of the passage terminating in the chamber of the machine has substantially no straight sections and progressively increases in diameter toward the chamber which it serves.

Abstract: Process for making a composite rotor with metallic matrix reinforced by fibrous windings. In order to prevent swelling of the windings, isostatic compression is applied when hot after laying a cap on the windings with the same surface area as the network formed by the windings, and which is compressed as degassing occurs.

Abstract: An electric shaver is of a type including at least one spirally-bladed cylindrical rotary cutter cooperable with a finely perforated stationary blade foil. The shaver includes a motor casing including a drive motor accommodated therein and having first and second upright walls spaced a distance from each other and accommodated in a shaver casing with the first and second upright walls protruding upwardly outwardly from the top end of the shaver casing; and a cutter assembly including a generally U-shaped support structure having first and second arms spaced a distance from each other.

Abstract: A device for cutting sheathing from a tendon extending through an anchor assembly includes a housing adapted to be rotatable about the sheathed tendon and a blade having a cutting edge. The blade cutting edge is oriented in a selected cutting position within the anchor assembly when the housing is mounted on the sheathed tendon and rotated thereabout.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding tool including a pair of folding scissors, in which a scissors blade is movable about a pivot shaft, between a stowed position and a deployed position in which a stop prevents the blade from moving further with respect to the handle because of pressure on the handle in the direction needed to close the scissors blades in a cutting stroke. A rocker is moved by a spring in the tool handle and which in turn urges a movable scissors blade toward an open position. In one embodiment two handles are folded about respective scissors blades to house the blades, and four springs hold the handles together with the folded scissors stowed within the handles. When the blades are deployed one of the springs holds each blade in position with respect to the handle while the other spring urges the blades toward an open position, through action of a rocker.

Abstract: A portable pruner for cutting limbs comprising a hollow shaft having an longitudinal axis, a lower end and an open upper end. The slideable grip portion is slideable along the longitudinal axis between a first and a second position. A shearing mechanism is attached to the upper open end of the hollow handle and includes a body having a hook adapted to receive and hold a limb. A cutting blade is pivotally attached to the body and selectively pivots against the hook to cut the selected limb. The cutting blade pivots with respect to the hook and is responsive to movement of the slidable grip portion between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A food slicer device (10) comprising a food receiving container (12) having an open top (14) with an inner ledge (16) about the open top (14). A working platform (18) has a pair of low rear insert tracks (20), a high forward seat (22) and an open area (23) between the high forward seat (22). The working platform (18) snugly fits into the open top (14) and onto the inner ledge (16) on the food receiving container (12). A back plate (24) slides into the low rear insert tracks (20) of the working platform (18). A front plate (26) has a horizontal cutting blade (28). The front plate (26) snaps into the high forward seat (22) over the open area (23) in the working platform (18). A safety holder (30) engages with a piece of food and slides the piece of food over the back plate (24) to make contact with the horizontal cutting blade (28) on the front plate (26) to cut the piece of food into slices (32).

Abstract: A headlamp position indicator device is used to denote the proper aiming position of a headlamp in an adjustable headlamp assembly. The headlamp assembly includes a housing, a movable component adjustably retained in the housing, and adjustor mechanisms for aiming the movable component. The headlamp position indicator device of the present invention includes a magnet mounted on the movable component and an assembly mounted on the housing. The assembly includes a holder having a cover member mounted thereon and a position indicator mounted therebetween. The cover member has a plurality of indicia thereon. The position indicator may be a ferrous ball bearing or a pointer member. The position indicator is magnetically attracted to the magnet and moveable relative to the housing according to the position of the magnet. Once the headlamp is zeroed, a zero indicia on the cover member is moved so as to be proximate to the position indicator.

Abstract: A linear measurement ruler comprises a teaching aid for instruction in fractional and decimal units of linear measure.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for speedily measuring a bearing height is disclosed. A plunger of a movable cylinder is extended with a test load P by a constant pressure applying mechanism S. The movable cylinder is ascended from a receded position to a measuring position by a slide cam. A bearing half W disposed on a pushing member is fitted in a receiving cavity of a standard tool in such a manner that an end of the bearing half W slightly protrudes from the receiving cavity portion. When the movable cylinder slightly exceeds the measuring position, a plunger is pressed for the length of the end protruded from the receiving cavity portion. At this point, the bearing half W is held with the test load P. Thus, the bearing height can be immediately measured by a length sensor.

Abstract: A gauge for checking linear dimensions of mechanical parts (41) comprises a support casing (4) substantially arranged along a longitudinal direction, and housing a transducer unit (5). The transducer unit (5) includes an axially movable rod (12). A ball-shaped element (23), moveable depending on the dimension of the mechanical part, is fixed at an end of an elongate element (22), having a second end coupled to the moveable rod (12) and a flexible cylindrical section (30). An abutment member (25) defines an inclined surface portion (26), having a Vee cross-section, for housing and guiding the ball shaped element (23).

Abstract: A returnable tape rule housing has a generally convexly arcuate juncture between the side walls and the upper portion of the peripheral wall upon which is an elastomeric grip element which provides a slip-resistant and comfortable gripping surface for the user's palm and thumb. The housing may also have textured surfaces on the lower portion of its side walls to enhance gripping.

Abstract: An angular position sensor having high angular resolution and which provides an immediate indication of the angular position being measured upon the application of power to the position sensor is disclosed. A quadrature disk having a continuous notch or recess in the outer periphery thereof is rotatable with respect to quadrature sensors positioned in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to one another. Differing radii on the quadrature disk cause the actuation and deactuation of the quadrature sensors as the disk passes thereunder producing sharply defined output signal transitions. While this is occurring, the Hall-effect sensor produces a sine wave output. The orientation of the quadrature disk with respect to the quadrature sensors is such that the output signal transitions produced by the quadrature sensors correspond with the maximum and minimum values of the sine wave produced by the Hall-effect sensor.

Abstract: A single pass rotary dryer in which heated gas and a moist material is blown through a rotating drum. The drum has inwardly extending flights or vanes which deflect particles of the material back into the gas flow. A flight is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the drum in order to present an ascending ramp to incoming material. There is a core oriented longitudinally in the drum. The core may be hollow and perforated with holes through which particles of material may pass. The core may have flights and a narrowing closed end facing the incoming material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved drying techniques which increase the capacity and efficiency of agitated pan type dryers. In particular, the present invention relates to an agitated pan type dryer apparatus and method for aggressive convective drying of hard to dry chemical compounds, such as pharmaceuticals. The aggressive drying is brought about by creating turbulence within the drying vessel during the drying cycle. Significant reductions in drying cycle times have been achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic substrate processing system comprising a processing equipment for processing electronic substrates including semiconductor wafers and liquid crystal substrates; a cleaning equipment for cleaning said electronic substrate in a predetermined processing step; a portable closed container for accommodating a cassette containing said electronic substrate; a purging station for gas-purging said portable closed containers; and a storage member for storing said portable closed containers, wherein said cassette accommodates said electronic substrates which have been cleaned by said cleaning equipment being set in said portable closed container and purged with an inert gas in said purging station, and said portable closed container or containers is stored in said storing section when necessary.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the surface temperature of a drying cylinder of a paper machine, in which air may be admixed with the steam introduced into the drying cylinder to adjust the partial steam pressure. The mixture ratio of air and steam is controlled as a function of the measured temperature of the mixture discharging from the drying cylinder. Also, pressure measurements are made of the pressure in the infeed and discharge lines of the cylinder, and valves control this dependent on the measurements. The valves are controlled to provide all steam to the cylinder above a predetermined minimum pressure in the cylinder below 1 bar and to provide a mix of air and steam below the predetermined minimum pressure. Arrangements for controlling one cylinder at a time, several cylinders together for supply of both steam and air, or several cylinders for controlling respective separate supplies of air and with one supply of steam are disclosed.

Abstract: A double backer for curing the web bonding adhesive and drying the corrugated paperboard web utilizes a web holddown apparatus for maintaining the web in intimate drying contact with the lower heating units which does not require the use of a driven holddown belt. The holddown is provided instead by a series of parallel, flexible, closely spaced strips suspended above the web in the heating section and extending in the direction of web travel. Supplemental holddown force may be provided by banks of spring fingers supported above and in contact with the holddown strips on a transverse support rod which may be rotated to vary the amount of supplemental holddown force. Alternately, the holddown strips may comprise continuous cables in which one run of the cables rests upon the moving web to provide the web holddown and a second run includes high friction cable portions which are movable into driving contact with the upper surface of the web to pull it through the heating section, as for initial web thread up.

Abstract: An orthopedic insert (2) includes a stiffening base part (4) and thereupon a shock-absorbing upper part (8) extending substantially over the entire insert (2). At least backwards from a point about 1/3 from the forward edge of it, the shock-absorbing upper part is substantially uniformly thick. The base part (4) is formed with an upstanding wall (6) round the heel portion thereof for keeping the heel cushion in place. On its underside the insert has regions (14, 16) with material removed under the longitudinal and forward arches of the user's foot. A method of manufacturing such an insert is also a subject of the invention.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an inner-sole and a sole, a plurality of microholes being arranged at least through the central portion of both of them, and an inner liner of a material such as Gore-Tex, wherein, between said inner-sole and said sole, a layer is provided of a resilient material, such as corrugated felt.

Abstract: A conventional shoe which comprises a shoe upper of continuous and uninterrupted material attached to an outer sole has its shoe upper lined with an air-cooled, breathable shoe liner comprising an outer knit layer of hydrophilic material, an inner knit layer of hydrophobic material, and monofilament yarns of hydrophobic material extending between and interknitted with the outer and inner layers for maintaining an air chamber therebetween, such that moisture from the foot of the wearer is transmitted by the inner layer and the monofilament yarns through the air chamber and is absorbed by the outer layer and passes into the shoe upper to be dried by the outer air.

Abstract: A slipper having an upper sheet 4 and a lower sheet 5, which are adhered together to form a sole. To the upper sheet 4 are attached two band parts 6L and 6R which can be folded parallely against upper sheet 4. Attachment slots 7, into which the lateral edges of band parts 6L and 6R can be inserted, are also provided on upper sheet 4. Furthermore, an auxiliary sheet 8 is provided between upper sheet 4 and lower sheet 5 so as to be in contact with the lower faces of band parts 6L and 6R, which have been inserted into attachment slot 7, and the lower face of upper sheet 4. The auxiliary sheet 8 and the lateral edges of band parts 6L and 6R are sewn together along attachment slot 7 by means of stitch 9.

Abstract: A comfort liner for a ski boat provided with a wedging element made of foam having thermoplastic qualities rendering it adapted to be adjusted and/or adapted, after being heated at its thermoforming temperature, to the specific volume of the foot of the skier, and a ski boot incorporating such liner. The liner in its entirety is preformed to an initial foot fitting volume corresponding to the standard of a given size, and its wedging element, constituted by a foam formed from at least one thermoplastic material, is thermocompressed and micro-perforated. The micro-perforations confer to the wedging element a certain flexibility and elastic compressibility, as well as a certain permeability rendering it sufficiently comfortable to be used as such for skiing, and adapted to be easily thermoformed by reheating, by virtue of the rapid and in-depth diffusion of the heat across the micro-perforations.

Abstract: A ski boot comprising a shell (1), a movable toe cap (2) and a shaft (3), having a recess (5) in the pivoting area of the toe cap (2), which is closed off by a cover (6) of the toe cap (2). The cover (6) grips under the instep area of the shell (1) and is, viewed in the longitudinal cross section of the ski boot, spherically curved with a radius corresponding to the distance from the imaginary pivot axis of the toe cap (2). At the free edge of the cover (6) and also of the recess (5) on the instep side, there are provided raised beads (7, 8) directed against one another with hooklike formed undercuts, which form-lockingly engage one another in the flat position of the sole (4) and the toe cap (2). A tongue (9) of the cover (6) being in the longitudinal center of the ski boot, is associated with a lock (10, 10') guided transversely with respect to the tongue, which lock as a variable stop releases, limits or prevents a clearance for movement of the toe cap (2).

Abstract: A ploughshare (10) having cutting edges (2) and a securing device (4,5) for attachment to a plough (not shown). The ploughshare (10) has a number of individual metallic shares (6) which are firmly embedded in an elastomer mass 3. During use, each individual share (6) is independently moveable from the underlying surface against the elasticity in the mass (3) with a view to absorbing or adjusting itself to irregularities (wheel track wear) in the underlying surface. The share is mounted substantially vertical and is especially designed for equipment for clearing snow, slush and ice.

Abstract: A device for use as a muzzle brake for an underwater gun having a project conveying structure with concentric inner and outer cylinders. The inner cylinder has at least one longitudinal slot formed therein. A sealing means joins the projectile conveying structure to the underwater gun at the structure's first end. A second end of the structure is provided with a seal for closing the second end after a projectile is fired through it. A piston having an aperture therethrough is positioned inside the inner cylinder and is axially moveable therein adjacent the longitudinal slot. An actuator is positioned between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. Actuator links through the longitudinal slot connect the piston with the actuator. After a projectile is fired through the projectile conveying structure to displace the piston from its initial position, the actuator means returns the piston to that initial position to ready the device for reuse.

Abstract: An improved scenting system having a frangible vial containing scented liquid disposed within a flexible, moisture-proof sheath member and a wick member having a first end disposed adjacent to the frangible vial and a second end extending from the sheath member, wherein the frangible vial may be broken and the scented liquid released for evaporation by the wick member without the hunter coming into contact with the scented liquid and wherein the scented liquid does not experience unwanted evaporation prior to use.

Abstract: A tunnel-type mousetrap has a central trapping mechanism powered by a rubber band or a coil spring. In the case of a rubber band, the band is wound between an anchor plate in the top wall of the tunnel and a striker plate that fits over the anchor plate and has end walls with trapping apertures that project downwardly through the tunnel. The rubber band urges the striker plate upwardly, and the trap is set by pushing down on the striker plate to engage a pivotal trigger carried by the anchor plate. When a mouse enters the tunnel and dislodges the trigger, the striker plate springs upwardly under the force of the rubber band and traps the mouse's neck in one of the trapping apertures. The trigger may be scented to attract mice and may hold a sunflower seed as additional bait. To provide the trap with a longer shelf life, the rubber band may be replaced by a coil spring fitted between the anchor plate and the striker plate.

Abstract: A fire ant bait station having a body portion including a reservoir defined by an enclosed wall and a floor, with an open-ended internally directed collar defined in the floor. A probe is received within the collar in locked, frictional engagement therewith, and is adapted to be inserted into a fire ant mound. The probe includes a tubular shaft with multiple perforations and an internal longitudinal channel formed therein and a pointed tip. The perforations provide access to the reservoir and thus to the bait therewith by the ants.

Abstract: An improved coated seed is provided by incorporating a poly(oxyalkylene) substituted organic chromophore in the coating.

Abstract: A novel method of identifying genetic markers linked to alleles conferring yield potential of a crop species has been developed. By conducting genetic marker analysis of a set of current elite lines and the ancestral population from which they were derived by decades of plant breeding, one can determine and compare the expected and observed allele frequencies within elite populations at numerous polymorphic loci. Since the traditional plant breeding effort has consistently utilized yield as a selection criteria, deviations from expected allele frequency at certain loci have been used to identify alleles that confer yield potential. Agronomically superior progeny can, therefore, be selected utilizing genetic markers.

Abstract: Large quantities of true seed is obtained from garlic using a process that involves the growing of a garlic parent plant from a virus-free garlic propagule under virus-free conditions such that the garlic parent plant remains free from virus infection and in particular infection by the onion yellow dwarf virus.

Abstract: A slide door operating device for a motor vehicle comprises a guide track horizontally mounted to an outer surface of a vehicle body panel. A door carrying device is movable along the guide track and connected to a slide door. An electric power device is mounted in the vehicle and has a drive pulley. The vehicle body panel has a single opening. Two cables are joined to constitute a loop which extends from the power device, goes out to the outside of the vehicle body panel through the single opening, extends in and around the guide track and comes back to the power device through the single opening. The loop travels in one direction when the drive pulley is driven in one direction and travels in the other direction when the drive pulley is driven in the other direction. A given portion of the loop is connected to the door carrying device.

Abstract: A method for unlocking a window pane secured by a fastening element to a frame element of a window frame, with an inflatable pressure tube being located between the window pane and the frame element, said tube, upon being inflated, forcing the window pane out of the frame element. For reliable and improved element unlocking of the window pane, the pressure tube is inflated by actuation of at least one pyrotechnic gas generator connected to the pressure tube.

Abstract: A device and method for removing ice and snow from roofs whereby a flexible sleeve attached to the lower part of a roof is remotely inflated, thereby shattering the ice in a controlled and safe manner. In the preferred embodiment, a mounting frame is sealingly attached to the roof surface and is configured to removably retain the flexible, inflatable sleeve in position on the roof. A number of retention means are disclosed. However, the preferred means is a zipper assembly, which is easy to operate and retains the overall flexibility of the inflatable sleeve to allow it to be rolled up for easy storage when it is removed from a roof. The lower end of the inflatable sleeve extends beyond the lower edge of the roof surface where it is movably secured to the edge of the roof. An operator realizing the need to remove ice from a roof remotely inflates the sleeve with a low pressure air supply. The expansion of the sleeve attached to the roof shatters the brittle ice.

Abstract: A new moveable grass field for providing natural turf playfields for enclosed sports stadiums. The inventive device includes a suprastructure base secured to and spanning a system of wheels for movement in and out of a sports stadium. A layer of cement is disposed above the suprastructure base. A layer of rocks are disposed above the layer of cement. A layer of gravel is disposed above the layer of rocks. A layer of sand is disposed above the layer of gravel. A layer of soil is disposed above the layer of sand. A layer of sod is disposed above the layer of soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a heavy load above a tile roof without causing damage to tile members, comprising: an elongated base member adapted to lie upon the surface of the roof underneath a tile member; a lag bolt for securing the the base member to a rafter in the roof; a slidable carriage having a threaded hole therethrough, the carriage slidably engaging the base member; a threaded elongated shaft capable of being inserted through a hole in the tile member and into threaded engagement with the carriage so that the end of the shaft may be caused to engage the base member and thereby fixedly secure the shaft; and a means associated with the shaft for attaching a heavy load.

Abstract: A double depth vault has a floor and opposing spaced side walls and end walls forming a burial enclosure. An intermediate floor panel is mountable in the enclosure at a predetermined location spaced above the floor to divide the vault into a lower burial chamber and an upper burial chamber. Pairs of aligned vertical guide grooves are provided in opposing walls of the vault to extend from the open end towards the floor, terminating at the desired intermediate floor position. Opposite edges of the intermediate floor member facing the grooved walls of the vault each have at least two spaced projecting pins for engagement in the respective guide grooves as the intermediate floor member is lowered into the vault. The closed ends of the guide grooves provide stops for engagement by the respective pins to support the intermediate floor member at the desired height in the vault.

Abstract: A wild fire suppressor includes a base wrap, including a fire-resistant, groundcontour-following base panel for installation about the base of a utility pole, and base panel anchors for holding the base panel in place on the ground. A pole wrap includes a rigid pole panel, and fasteners for fastening the pole panel to the utility pole.

Abstract: In a structure for attaching a lower transverse frame member of a sash in which an elongated attachment transverse member is attached to a lower edge portion of an opening of a building body and a lower transverse frame member constituting a sash frame is attached to said attachment transverse member, the attachment transverse member has a hollow structure formed on the outdoor side portion thereof, and the hollow structure has a drain port opening to the outdoor side. Each of fixing members for fixing the lower transverse frame member to the attachment transverse member is so arranged that the front end thereof projects into the hollow structure.

Abstract: A construction method for one-step grout fixed window frames on external walls of a concrete-structured building includes the following steps. A window frame including vertical and horizontal sections is fixed with vertical lining boards to the inner side of its vertical sections to form a window frame assembly, and is then supported on an upper supporting board which has been securely attached to a concrete template of an external wall of the building. Template sealing strips are separately attached to an exterior edge and an interior edge of the vertical sections and the upper horizontal section of the window frame assembly, so that a complete molding cavity is formed. Into this molding cavity the grouting concrete is grouted and the window frame is inlaid in the concrete after the concrete is set and the concrete templates are removed.

Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof. A foot extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to abuttingly support the panel freestanding on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame, and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof. Hence, when like panels are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities are aligned and communicate.

Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel and related system are provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof. A foot extends downwardly from the bottom of the frame to abuttingly support the panel freestanding on a floor surface. Two pairs of horizontal stringers are attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same, and define therebetween two horizontal raceway cavities which open to the opposite side faces of the frame, and extend continuously between the opposite side edges thereof. Hence, when like panels are interconnected side-by-side, the open ends of adjacent raceway cavities are aligned and communicate.

Abstract: A spider for a railroad crossing signal foundation has plastic lined tubular channels extending through it with conical entry sections. In assembling a foundation, upright guide rods are guided into the channels by the entry sections without dislodging the plastic liners. In producing the spider, concrete is poured into a mold about tubular plastic liners so as to form entry sections and channels and to fix the plastic liners in the concrete to line the channels.

Abstract: A concrete building block or panel contains at least one tightly wound bundle of used tire casing tread sections that have been separated from the two end wall sections and which have been joined together and wound into a tight spiral bundle. In one form of the invention, the side wall sections are stacked in axial alignment and a tread bundle is inserted into the stack before being mounted in the block or panel.

Abstract: Assembled structural components, fabricated from cementitious, fibrous, clay, and aggregate materials, have fibers aligned parallel to tensile forces to form a load bearing structure for use in construction. Fiber and cement membrane components hold rigid core parts in the same relationships as membrane components hold organs in animals. These parts force membrane components apart at selected places to tension and protect membrane components from compressive forces. Facing units are interlocked with membrane faces in parallel alignments. A system of ventilating holes and openings prevents damage due to heat.

Abstract: A truss fastener for fastening a chord to a tubular member comprises a head and a shank extending from the underside of the head and terminating at a self-drilling distal tip. The shank comprises proximal and distal portions, each having a spiral buttress thread, that are separated by an unthreaded shaft portion. The length L.sub.1 of the self-drilling tip and the distal, shaft and proximal portions of the shank L.sub.2, L.sub.3, L.sub.4 are selected such that L.sub.2 +L.sub.3 is greater than the diameter of the tubular member cavity, L.sub.1 +L.sub.2 is less than the diameter of the tubular member cavity, and L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are each greater than the total of the thickness T.sub.1 of the wall of the tubular member and the thickness T.sub.2 of the wall of the chord T.sub.1 +T.sub.2. Preferably L.sub.4 is also greater than T.sub.1 +T.sub.2. During installation, the shaft portion freely rotates within the entrance holes in the chord and tubular member as the self-drilling tip drills the exit holes.