Abstract: A manufacturing process for a one piece tank that involves three steps results in a consistently watertight and structurally stronger unit than previous tanks. The three steps comprise a process for producing the body of the tank, a process for producing a preliminary lid, and a process for producing the final tank. An important step in the process for producing the body of the tank is extending reinforcing steel (rebar) a distance above the concrete walls of the tank. After the preliminary lid is placed into a groove of the tank, the rebar is bent over the lid and a water stop is applied between the walls of the tank and the preliminary lid. The water stop can be any of several forms. In one form, the water stop is in the form of butyl or rubber strip which projects from the walls of the tank above the walls with the rebar. In an alternate form, the water stop is in the form of a gasket of plastic or other suitable material inserted in a groove at the top of the tank.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for a one piece tank that involves three steps results in a consistently watertight and structurally stronger unit than previous tanks. The three steps comprise a process for producing the body of the tank, a process for producing a preliminary lid, and a process for producing the final tank. An important step in the process for producing the body of the tank is extending reinforcing steel (rebar) a distance above the concrete walls of the tank. After the preliminary lid is placed into a groove of the tank, the rebar is bent over the lid and a water stop is applied between the walls of the tank and the preliminary lid. The water stop can be any of several forms. In one form, the water stop is in the form of butyl or rubber strip which projects from the walls of the tank above the walls with the rebar. In an alternate form, the water stop is in the form of a gasket of plastic or other suitable material inserted in a groove at the top of the tank.

Abstract: A concrete burial vault system having a layered construction of castable material encased in an inner liner and an outer casing of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene utilizes the liner and casing as a mold for the concrete and enables monolithic molds with self-supporting securing tabs. This system allows the liner and casing to be manufactured at a central location and then transported to a plurality of use locations to be filled with concrete. The manufacturing method supports the system and provides an assembly advantage.

Abstract: A concrete burial vault system having a layered construction of castable material encased in an inner liner and an outer casing of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene utilizes the liner and casing as a mold for the concrete and enables monolithic molds with self-supporting securing tabs. This system allows the liner and casing to be manufactured at a central location and then transported to a plurality of use locations to be filled with concrete. The manufacturing method supports the system and provides an assembly advantage.

Abstract: A method and a device for regulating the temperature inside a building having walls that include an inner microporous wall separated from a thermally insulating outer wall by a sheet of air, the device having a data processor configured to drive and control the circulation of outside air between the double walls of the building so as to act as a function of climatic conditions to regulate the temperature and the hygrometry inside the building by evaporating and condensing a fraction of the humidity of the microporous inner wall of the double walls of the building.

Abstract: An interment system (110) comprises a container arrangement (109) configured to hold the posthumous remains of a plurality of individuals arranged one above the other. The container arrangement defines a posthumous remains receiving chamber (156) in which the remains of the plurality of individuals can be held. The container arrangement (109) may comprise an outer interment container (112) and an inner interment container (150) which can be received within the outer interment container. The inner interment container (150) defines the aforesaid chamber (156).

Abstract: An improved burial crypt for cremains designed to be placed below grade within a standard cemetery burial plot, suitable for containing a plurality of burial urns; the crypt comprised of a container, an access means, and a support means, with the container being sealable, substantially water tight, and fabricated of precast concrete walls, the access means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to allow a human to descend into and ascend out of the container, and the support means being located within the interior of the container and suitably adapted to support a plurality of burial urns; and a method of fabrication of same.

Abstract: Method of constructing and installing a direct smelting unit comprising a smelting vessel (11). The vessel is prefabricated off site in three modules (11A, 11B, 11C) which are then transported to the installation site where they are hoisted by a crane and deposited sequentially on top of one another and joined together by welding to form a unitary vessel. The vessel modules are prefabricated so as to be internally lined with water cooling panels connected to water inlet and outlet connectors (62) on the exterior of the circumferential wall sections of those modules. A vessel access tower is formed in modules brought together to envelop the tower and carrying water supply and return piping which is connected to the water inlet and outlet connectors (62) of the cooling panels.

Abstract: An interment container includes upper and lower members that define an internal cavity. The remains of a deceased are placed within a liner adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity. The liner is peripherally sealed about the remains of the deceased, to prevent leakage of fluids from within the liner and infiltration of fluids into the liner. The liner includes lower and upper sections that define facing peripheral flanges which are sealed together by positioning a heating member between facing surfaces of the flanges, and imparting heat to the heating member so as to liquefy the adjacent material of the flanges. The liquefied material flows together about the heating member and the heating member is then cooled, such that the liquefied portions of the flanges solidify to integrally seal the flanges together.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for suspending a rigid panel in an opening formed in a barrier structure. The system comprises a sleeve of flexible material having an anchor portion attachable to the perimeter of the opening and a grip portion opposite the anchor portion. The grip portion is contoured so as to form a channel disposed between an anterior extension and a posterior extension of the grip portion. Each of the anterior extension and the posterior extension comprises a fold of the flexible material having an apex at its inner end. A first elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the anterior extension and a second elongated tensioning member received within the apex of the posterior extension. The edges of the panel are received within the channel and the first and second elongated tensioners may be made sufficiently taut to prevent easy removal of the panel from the channel. Also disclosed is a method of suspending a rigid panel in a barrier structure employing structure as disclosed.

Abstract: An external wall construction capable of inhibiting water penetration thereinto includes a securing metal fitting installed at an upper side portion and a lower side portion of an external wall panel. The external wall panel is mounted on an underlayment. The external wall panel has a notched recess formed on left and right side portions along the vertical direction. A sealing fixture is arranged between the adjacent left and right external wall panels. The sealing fixture has a base plate portion fixed to the underlayment, a rising plate portion erected at the base plate portion, and a front plate portion arranged at the rising plate portion, wherein a front resilient material is provided at the front face of the front plate portion. The front resilient material and the front plate portion are engaged in the notched recess of the external wall panel.

Abstract: A siding boards attachment structure includes siding boards, at least one underlayment, securing metal fittings and at least one sealing member. The sealing member is disposed between left and right adjacent siding boards and has a base plate portion, a rising plate portion, a front plate portion, and a front resilient material. The base plate portion is secured to the underlayment. The rising plate portion is bent forward from the base plate portion. The front plate portion is bent from a front end of the rising plate portion in the opposite direction from the base plate portion. The front resilient material is provided on a front surface of the front plate portion. The front plate portion engages with a front surface of the lateral underlying tongue portion of the siding board. The front resilient material is in tight contact with a front inner surface of the notched recess and a back surface of the lateral overlying tongue portion of the siding boards.

Abstract: A crypt lid with lifting means for applying a vertical force to lift the lid is provided. The lid is preferably cast of concrete with one or more lifting holes extending vertically through the lid. The holes may be lined with a corrosion resistant material, such as a hard plastic, PVC, or other suitable material. The lining is preferably threaded, and sealing plug is adapted for threaded engagement with the lining of the holes. The plug is provided with a recessed drive receptacle and preferably fits flush with the surface of the crypt lid. This feature prevents damage to the plug, the lining, or the lid itself when a crypt is exhumed with heavy machinery like a backhoe. An easily removed privacy partition between upper and lower sections of the burial vault is also provided.

Abstract: A molded burial container and method for forming such having a seamless single piece base with a bottom, sides and ends, each of which has an inner wall and an outer wall and a seamless single piece lid having an inner and outer wall, the lid being releasably securable to the base. A coarse aggregate of the moldable material is fused into the interior side of the base and lid inner and outer walls during the molding process as formation of the base and lid is completed. The base and lid inner and outer walls thus form hollow chambers capable of being filled with a structural flowable material such as cellular concrete or structural foam so that the flowable material bonds to the aggregate covered interior side of the inner and outer walls of the base and lid.

Abstract: A sump containment apparatus for a fuel storage tank has a manhole skirt communicating with a sump interior, a bladder seal with a first portion secured in sealing engagement about an opening in the sump, and a second portion disposed about an inner surface of the manhole skirt and urged into sealing engagement with the inner surface by mechanical compression, preferably by an expansion ring. An observation port in a manhole cove is openable for viewing into the sump.

Abstract: The collapsible shelter includes a truss and canopy framework that permits a flexible, collapsible canopy to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position. The collapsible shelter includes at least three legs supporting flexible poles removably mounted to the tops of the legs and forming the framework of the canopy. X-shaped truss pairs of link members are connected to each of the legs on each side of the shelter between adjacent legs.

Abstract: A cremation niche for holding the cremated remains of a deceased living being. The cremation niche includes a precast concrete block preferably having a size and consistency of a conventional cast building block. A cavity within the concrete block with access thereinto through an opening in the front upright surface of the concrete block provides access into the cavity for placing the cremated remains therein. A front face block matches the dimensions of the front surface of the concrete block and is connectable thereto by fasteners. A seal between the face block and the front face of the concrete block seals the cavity and protects the cremated remains. A separate molded plastic liner fitted into the cavity further enhances a hermetic seal within the cavity. Spacer tabs formed into one horizontal surface and one end surface of the concrete block enhance ease of building a wall of the filled and sealed niches with precise spacing between niches.

Abstract: An underground storage system for hazardous liquids having an inner fluid storage tank surrounded by a larger outer containment vault with sufficient space between to allow for visual inspection of the tank. The inner tank has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is positioned within an outer rectangular parallelepiped vault in a manner leaving a larger clearance space between two adjacent tank sides and facing vault walls than between the opposite adjacent two sides and walls. Additionally, a vertical clearance exists between the tank and vault. The vault is reinforced concrete precast in sections for ease of transport and assembly on-site. The vault has a bottom pan-shaped unit with one or more square tubular collar units on top and terminates in an upper cover. The cover includes one or more man-way apertures enabling a technician to enter the vault and inspect the tank for leaks. The increased use of excavated space for fluid storage reduces costs associated with transport and installation.

Abstract: A method of making a concrete structure, such as a burial vault, having an integrally bonded thermoplastic resin liner. The liner is a rigid molded product having a bottom wall and side walls and an open top. A thermosetting resin adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the liner and consists of an epoxy resin system, a solvent for the thermoplastic liner, and a surfactant. Before the adhesive is fully cured, wet flowable concrete is applied to the adhesive layer. The solvent acts to solubilize the outer surface of the plastic liner, while the surfactant reduces the hydrophobic characteristics of the adhesive to provide a firmly bonded composite structure.

Abstract: An end insert for a top cap on a wall panel comprises a extension member removably joined to a tail member. The tail member is received within a channel of the top cap and affixed to the top cap by sonic welding. The extension member is an elastomer and has a stop flange which covers the open end, and a portion which extends away from the open end.

Abstract: A precast concrete structural unit is provided including a concrete sub-unit and a plastic resinous sheet. The sheet is adhered to the sub-unit at the time of pouring the concrete, utilizing a polychloroprene contact adhesive. The structural unit may further include adhesive coated reinforcement. Among the concrete structural units which are provided is a burial vault including concrete wall portions and a plastic resinous liner. The liner is adhered to the wall portions, at the time of pouring the concrete, utilizing the polychloroprene contact adhesive. The vault may also include adhesive coated reinforcement. The polychloroprene contact adhesive is essentially a blended aqueous latex comprising hydrophilic chloroprene copolymer latex particles and emulsified or dispersed hydrocarbon resin tackifier particles.

Abstract: A composite burial vault is provided having a hollow liner constructed of a synthetic plastic material which is filled with concrete. In constructing the burial vault, a liquid bonding agent is applied against the liner. The bonding agent can be either an adhesive or a solvent which acts upon the plastic material or a combination of the adhesive and the solvent. Before the bonding agent dries, aggregate is applied to the surface of the liner preferably by a flocking gun. Alternatively, the bonding agent and aggregate can be simultaneously sprayed against the liner. As the bonding agent dries, the aggregate is bonded to the liner either by the adhesive and/or by a portion of the aggregate partially embedding in the liner. Concrete is then poured between a mold and the treated surface of the liner where it forms a mechanical bond to the coarse aggregate coating on the liner. Reinforcement strips are provided to strengthen the corner edges of the liner.

Abstract: A composite burial vault is provided having a hollow liner constructed of a synthetic plastic resinous material which is filled with concrete. In constructing the burial vault, the liner is constructed from thermosetting resinous material in any conventional method. While the liner is still wet, aggregate is applied to the surface of the liner by a flocking gun or the like. Concrete is then poured between a mold and the treated surface of the liner where it forms a mechanical bond to the coarse aggregate coating on the liner.

Abstract: An alignment bracket used in combination with an extendible pole having a hooked end provides lateral and rotational alignment for the interengagement of precast concrete sections of underground concrete structures during their construction, eliminating the need for workmen to enter an excavation for this purpose. The bracket is moved by the pole after each section is positioned to provide alignment for the next section. During alignment the sections can be moved both rotationally and laterally by workmen applying force on the bracket with the pole.

Abstract: The disclosed heterogeneous hot-melt sealant system is particularly well suited to sealing the typical tongue-and-groove joint between the base and cover of a burial vault. The hot-melt system comprises a plurality of layers, each layer being a distinct phase which resists chemical or morphological penetration (e.g. paraffin oil migration) from the adjacent layer. The layers are typically applied to the groove in the cover for the vault by individual casting or pouring of each of a plurality of hot-melt compositions in the molten state. Each hot-melt composition comprises an essentially amorphous polypropylene, a hydrocarbon resin (e.g. synthetic terpene resin), and a hydrocarbon (e.g. paraffin) oil. The first (bottom) poured hot-melt contains more polypropylene and less oil and terpene resin than the second (upper) pour.

Abstract: A burial vault having preformed hollow fiberglass resin base and cover shells, the shells having fiberglass anchor loops integrally formed on their inner surfaces. The shells are filled with a cement-sand-stone composition that is mechanically locked to the anchor loops on the inside surface of the liners, the cement-sand-stone composition including a plurality of straight steel wires of short length randomly disposed throughout the walls to increase the tensile strength and crack-resistance of the vault.

Abstract: A boltless two-piece rail fastening assembly for securing a railway rail, supported on a conventional tie plate, to a wooden cross tie is comprised of a chair and a rail clip latched thereon. The chair includes a body, having a jaw with a bight configured to receive the clip, and at least one downwardly projecting leg or shank for securing the chair adjacent the base flange of the rail. The rail clip is a torsional spring clip in the general form of an "S" having a rail-bearing leg for proximate engagement with the base flange of the rail and a tie bearing leg for proximate engagement with the tie plate.