Abstract: A twisted wire tie for concrete forming has an elongate loop with a single strand of wire on one side and a twisted double strand on the opposite side. Two stops on the tie are formed at opposite ends of the twisted double strand and engage the twisted strand and the single strand so as to prevent unwinding of the twisted strand when the tie is placed in tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buck for forming and framing the perimeter of an opening in an insulated concrete form wall. The buck is formed of insulating material compatible with the concrete form, such as plastic, and forms a friction fit with supporting portions of the form wall to provide a seal therebetween. The buck may have a portion for receiving fasteners to secure a component mounted on the buck, thus facilitating the attachment of components to the buck within the wall opening, and reducing or completely eliminating the need for fasteners to penetrate hardened concrete. The buck may also include a separate portion, preferably integrated with the fastening portion, that provides for increased thermal insulation. The buck may also include anchoring fins around which the poured concrete may harden to securely attach the buck to the wall and enhance the seal therebetween.

Abstract: A removable and reusable door frame guard for installation over and providing temporary protection to door trim attached to a door jamb. The guard includes a relatively rigid elongate upright member of shock absorbing material with an L-shaped cross section for covering adjacent bottom, front and inside portions of a vertical door jamb to be protected, and an expandable clamp means is secured to an upper end of the upright member and dimensioned in position for expanding and thereby engaging a bottom surface of a horizontal door header to hold the upright member in position.

Abstract: A roofing system (10) adapted to be supported on a support surface (18), the system including a plurality of panels (14) arranged in partially overlapping relation to form a roof, the panels each having first (42) and second (44) side edges, an upper (26) and lower (30) surfaces providing a series of barrels (46) and pans (50), a first side region (83) defining a portion of a barrel and a first cylindrical mating surface (82), and a second-side region (66) defining a portion of a pan and a second cylindrical mating surface, the panels being arranged in overlapping relation so that the first and second mating surfaces are sealingly engaged.

Abstract: The plastic back-up shear plate is laterally disposed with a spring fit into the outwardly facing mouth of a metal window frame. The mouth is defined by the window frame. The shear plate has laterally disposed opposite outer edge portions which are interlockable on corresponding outer wall elements of hollow body metal window frame. In a perpendicular direction, the back-up shear plate has opposing edge portions which interlock on window frame mouths having a slightly different dimension. The shear plate is constructed and arranged to fit, with appropriate change in orientation, window frames of two different mouth openings. Multiple window frame mouths, on different window frames, are accommodated by a multiple sided back-up plate.

Abstract: An improved window frame is provided. The window frame utilizes one or more locking panels coupled to the frame body via a living hinge. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the window frame includes a plurality of frame segments extending between respective corners of the window frame. Each of the frame segments defines a cross section comprising a frame body including a locking structure catch formed therein, a frame locking structure arranged to engage the locking structure catch, and a locking panel secured to the frame body via a living hinge. The living hinge is arranged to permit the first locking panel to pivot relative to the frame body between a closed state and an open state. The locking panel is arranged to engage the frame body and define a window securing dimension between the frame body and the locking panel upon pivoting to the closed state.

Abstract: A jamb system for framing panels, in which at least one of the panels is arranged to slide by another panel along a set of tracks, including an elongated top jamb including one elongated top guide member for each panel, each member including an elongated rail for guiding a panel along its travel within the jamb, and a key spacer member, the top guide members and the key members each adapted to interlock through their respective walls to form a rectilinear assembly, including slanted wall portions arranged to mate in adjacent juxtaposition with each other to accept a threaded fastener therethrough and an elongated side jamb for each panel, and an elongated key spacer member for insertion between each pair of the elongated side members allowing the panels to move along the rails within the jamb, past each other, adapted to interlock through their respective walls, the side members and the key members including slanted wall portions arranged to mate and accept a threaded fastener there through to hold the side j

Abstract: A door framing apparatus and method wherein a pad member permits easy securing of the door and jamb to the king stud. The pad member maybe injected with an adhesive material to form a bond between the door/jamb assembly and the king stud. The pad member is formed of a compressible cellular foam material. A reservoir is formed within the pad to hold adhesive material which serves to attach the jamb to the king stud. A fill slot is provided in the pad to allow injection of the adhesive material into the reservoir. A channel is formed in the pad to allow the adhesive material within the reservoir to extend outside of the pad to form a bonding surface between the jamb and king stud. An adhesive layer is provided on a lateral edge of the pad member to allow initial attachment to either the jamb or king stud prior to installation of the door.

Abstract: Installation of a basement window system by assembling the window system between a pair of novel window forms releasably secured thereto. This assembly is maintained during the erection of the foundation wall into which the window system is incorporated and the erection of above grade wall after which the window forms are removed.

Abstract: A unitary window insert and method of insertion into a wall structure for forming a finished surround for a window unit. The unitary insert comprises a frame portion sized and shaped to accept a window unit, from which planer finishing wall portions extend to a casing flange which surrounds the interior edge of the insert. Preferably the finishing walls are flared inward creating a pyramidal frustum having an opening larger at the interior surface of the wall than at the exterior surface. The insert extends through the wall structure from an exterior surface and to an interior surface. In the case of poured concrete walls, the insert is provided with a spacer or panel to support the frame portion during construction.

Abstract: A sill for supporting a wall panel such as window panels for a modular solarium comprises a forward or outer sill, an intermediate rail, an inner channel, and an inner flange. The intermediate rail extends laterally inward from the outer sill. The rail includes a ramp and a raised surface. The ramp defines an outermost portion of the rail and extends upwardly from the outer sill to the raised surface. The rail terminates at the channel. The channel extends laterally between the rail and the flange. The bottom of a wall panel fits over the rail and has an inner leg which extends into the channel. Fasteners secure the inner leg on the wall panel to the inner flange.

Abstract: A system for providing a water proof seal at the interface of a building accessory unit such as a window unit mounted within an opening formed within an exterior wall system. The opening is defined by first and second side jambs, a sill and a head. The exterior wall system has an exterior wall structure and an interior wall structure, and the interior wall structure has an inside wall and an outside wall. In one embodiment, the system comprises first and second unitary flashing members, one connected to each of the jambs. Each of the first and second unitary flashing members comprises a first panel having a width x, a second panel having a width y, and a third panel having a width z. The three panels are connected together along a common edge. The second panel is substantially perpendicular to the first panel, and the third panel is off-set from the first panel and the second panel.

Abstract: A knockdown doorframe includes: a pair of jambs (1) respectively secured on a right and left vertical side wall (V) of a door entrance or doorway (O) by means of brackets (2) longitudinally pre-fixed on the right and left vertical side walls (V), each jamb (1) having a waterproof pad (3) cushioned on a bottom of the jamb (1), a lintel (4) horizontally secured on the top portion of each jamb (1) adjacent to a horizontal top wall (H) of the doorway to form an inversed U-shaped doorframe, and each jamb (1) and lintel (4) having a covering plate (5, 5a) covered thereon for shielding an aperture (A) between the doorframe and the wall (V, H) of the doorway (O) for decorative purpose.

Abstract: A system and associated method for forming a window opening in a poured concrete wall and installing a window therein includes a two-piece reusable window buck having a retainer temporarily coupled thereto. The retainer becomes partially embedded in the poured concrete wall and after the window buck is removed from the window opening formed in the wall, the window is easily and conveniently installed in the window opening and secured therein by the window retainer and cooperating spring clip on the window frame without the need for additional mechanical fasteners or tools.

Abstract: A knockdown unit comprising a framework for holding one or more panels and one or more doors, having two outside vertical jambs; at least one vertical mullion; at least one horizontal frame member; at least one sill frame member; the vertical jambs, the at least one vertical mullion, the at least one sill frame member and the at least one horizontal frame member being connectable at a job site to form the knockdown unit, an upper end of each vertical jamb being connected to the at least one horizontal frame member, a lower end of one vertical jamb being connected to a sill frame member, a lower end of the at least one vertical mullion being connected to at least one sill frame member, an upper end of the at least one vertical mullion being connected to the at least one horizontal frame member.

Abstract: A frame is formed of side walls that are extruded from vinyl. The side walls have interior channels. The side walls may be formed to effect a female-male connection between the ends of two adjoining side walls. Alternatively a locking member is provided that is sized to frictionally engage a selected channel. The side walls have a concrete retention fin positioned to extend away from the outer wall of the side wall to interconnect with the concrete as the and after the concrete cures. The frame may be formed into door jambs, doors, and the like. The frame may also be a window buck that may be formed into selected geometric shapes. Window bucks of different dimensions may be assembled on site by sawing.

Abstract: A door and window frame adjusting shim sized to fit all common interior or exterior prehung doors and framed windows, preferably factory pre-mounted to the prefabricated door or window casing, comprised of a flat mounting plate and two attached interlocking nested wedge shaped portions, to provide a carpenter or homeowner with a functional, reliable and inexpensive installation shim method, the adjusting shim permits rapid positioning of the door or window, and is especially useful when installing multiple doors and windows into a building.

Abstract: A window buck is formed of side walls that are extruded from vinyl. The side walls have interior channels. The side walls may be formed to effect a female-male connection between the ends of two adjoining side walls. Alternatively a locking member is provided that is sized to frictionally engage a selected channel. The edges of the side members are shaped for abutment to each other with a connector in the channels to hold the window buck together. The window buck thereafter may be placed before the cement wall is formed and is sized to receive a window frame. The window buck may be formed into selected geometric shapes. Window bucks of different dimensions may be assembled by selected sides of different dimensions from bins or pallets of presized side members.

Abstract: A new prefabricated door frame assembly for ready on site adaptation and attachment to a structure. The inventive device includes an inner door frame, for mounting a door thereon, surrounded by an outer framing frame, for attachment to a structure, with a pair of side glass panels each shaped to fit between the sides of the door frame and the framing frame, and a transom glass panel between the top of the door frame and the framing frame.

Abstract: A dome building structure employs an inflatable form having a peripheral edge secured to a base. A network of cable-like members overlies the form and is secured to the base so as to restrain pressurized inflation of the form to prevent tearing. A layer of insulating foam is applied to the inner surface of the inflated form followed by attachment of a reinforcing mesh and application of a cementitious layer sufficient to embed the mesh. Internal ribs are formed to directly underlie the network of external cable members which may be interconnected to the internal ribs to assist in support of the ribs until they become self-supporting of the dome. The external network of cable-like members allows the form to extend convexly outwardly or pooch through interstices in the cable network creating smaller radii of curvature to better withstand inward buckling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank or containment vessels and processes and apparatus for their construction. The tanks or containment vessels usually consist of circular walls resting on a base and a dome supported by the walls. The dome of the subject prestressed tank is formed by deploying or creating a membrane on the base, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material (and prestressing or reinforcing material if needed) on the membrane and then forming said membrane into a dome before the rigidifying material sets by the selective introduction of compressed air at appropriate locations between the base and the membrane. The hardening of the rigidifying material results in a composite preformed rigid roof or dome having a membrane liner and an overlay of composite construction. Once the walls are created, air pressure can be further utilized to raise this preformed composite dome upward to a predetermined height after which it is fastened to the walls.

Abstract: The window buck is made of extruded irregular shapes consisting of a combination of cellulose and polymer compounded specifically to be used in connection with building walls of poured concrete. The combination desirably is a mixture of approximately 70% cellulose and approximately 30% polymer. The cellulose is preferably sawdust, and the polymer preferably is polyethylene.

Abstract: A vinyl door frame assembly for a frame door opening is provided with a plurality of metal jamb backing members for attachment to the unfinished door frame. A set of paired first and second vinyl jamb members are provided, wherein the vinyl jamb member first sections are attached to the metal jamb backing members by means of threaded screws, and the vinyl jamb members second section are slid against the vinyl jamb members first section and held in position by means of flat head screws interfitting within slots of the metal jamb backing members, and into snap fit engagement with the first section of vinyl jamb member to complete the assembly. In a second embodiment of the invention, the vinyl jamb member first section is screwed into the door frame member. The vinyl jamb member second section is then snapped into the first section.

Abstract: An anchoring clip for the installation of a hollow door or window frame in stud or masonry walls that minimizes the need for additional hardware when installing a hollow door or window frame because the clip can be used along the entire height of either the strike jamb or the hinge jamb of the door frame, across the header of the door frame or at the base of the door frame for secure attachment to both the wall and the floor surrounding the door opening. Furthermore, the anchoring clip can be used for new construction or existing walls without marring the wall finishes or cutting a hole in the walls for the installation of the door frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank or containment vessels and processes and apparatus for their construction. The tanks or containment vessels usually consist of circular walls resting on a base and a dome supported by the walls. The dome of the subject prestressed tank is formed by deploying or creating a membrane on the base, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material (and prestressing or reinforcing material if needed) on the membrane and then forming said membrane into a dome before the rigidifying material sets by the selective introduction of compressed air at appropriate locations between the base and the membrane. The hardening of the rigidifying material results in a composite preformed rigid roof or dome having a membrane liner and an overlay of composite construction. Once the walls are created, air pressure can be further utilized to raise this preformed composite dome upward to a predetermined height after which it is fastened to the walls.

Abstract: Modular Structures preferably usable to form human habitations in outer space are fabricated by molding. A mold comprising progressively surrounding flexible walls defines progressively surrounding cavities. A selected cavity or cavities are inflated or pressurized, as with gas, to distend to assume a predetermined configuration. Another selected cavity or cavities are injected with mold material, which is then allowed to harden. A pressurized cavity or cavities may be evacuated and then filled with mold material. In this manner, a strong structure is progressively formed is subsequent injection and hardening steps. In alternative embodiments of the molding method, supports or reinforcing members are placed within cavities prior to inflation and material injection. These supports space apart adjacent flexible mold walls and force the flexible walls to assume a desired configuration under inflated conditions.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a frame between two parallel form panels of a wall form assembly when pouring concrete includes a positioning plate and two seal strips. The positioning plate is adapted to be fastened to one of the panels and has a planar positioning surface which abuts against the frame and which is adapted to be perpendicular to the panel. The seal strips are adapted to be located on two sides of the frame between the panels such that each of the strips is positioned between the frame and one of the panels. A liquid-tight seal is established between the frame and the panels. Assembly of the frame and the seal strips defines between the panels a concrete pouring space and a non-pouring space which are located on two sides of the assembly. The positioning plate is located in the non-pouring space, and the frame is positioned between the positioning plate and the concrete pouring space.

Abstract: A flexible form member in accordance with the invention comprises a hollow-shaped body having a flexibility and openable fluid introducing and discharging means for permitting fluid to be introduced into and discharged from the body. A method of forming a through hole by means of the flexible form member comprises placing the flexible form member as contracted in a desired position between an outer form and an inner form, introducing fluid into the flexible form member to expand it between the outer form and inner form, pouring concrete, removing the forms and contracting the flexible form member after curing of concrete, and removing the flexible form member thus contracted from concrete.

Abstract: Novel structural members are provided that are flexible prior to being rigidized. The structural members are fabricated as bundles of reinforcing fibers commingled with binder materials, e.g. thermoplastic yarn, and a heat source. Means for compressing the bundle during deployment may also be provided. The structural members are rigidized by activating the heat source to melt the binder material, which flows throughout the bundle to bind the reinforcing fibers together, such that when the binder sets or hardens a rigid, reinforced structural member is provided. In preferred embodiments, these structural members are attached to an inflatable enclosure in a structural framework arrangement to form an inflatable structure. Such an inflatable structure may be rolled or folded into a compact space for storage and transport, such as into outer space.

Abstract: A vinyl door frame assembly for a frame door opening is provided with a plurality of metal jamb backing members for attachment to the unfinished door frame. A set of paired first and second vinyl jamb members are provided, wherein the first vinyl jamb member sections are attached to the metal jamb backing members by means of threaded screws, and the second section of vinyl jamb members are slid against the first vinyl jamb members and held in position by means of flat head screws interfitting within slots of the metal jamb backing members, and into snap fit engagement with the first section of vinyl jamb member to complete the assembly.

Abstract: In a fabricated door jamb, the opposite edges of a rib component core of low-grade lumber are faced with strips of high-grade wood, and the face is veneered. Two flange components are fabricated from cores of low-grade lumber, each having one edge finished with a strip of high-grade wood, and their faces are veneered. The flange components are joined to the generally central edge component by tongue-and-groove joints composed of tongues formed on the adjacent edges of the flange components which fit snugly in the grooves in opposite edges of the tongue component, respectively. Each groove is flared and each tongue is tapered complementally so that the tongues fit snugly and wedgingly in the grooves, the tongue-and-groove joints being located so that the backs of the tongue component and of the two flange components are flush and coplanar.

Abstract: Apparatus for fabricating igloo and like structures comprising an inflatable form of a flexible air-impervious plastic having a base component, a roof component, and cylindrically shaped side walls with associated valve to inflate and deflate the form. The form is utilized with a chimney to create an igloo structure. During transport the form can be stored in a tubular canister and, along with the chimney, carried within a backpack.

Abstract: A new interior wall construction relies on a new metal stud. The new stud is a U-shaped channel having parallel sides and a generally flat bight. The bight is recessed interiorly of its edges and mounts a wood block. The block is secured by diagonally inserted screws piercing the interior corners of the recess. A sheet rock installer mounts the plaster board so as to have common edges with the stud. Thereafter a carpenter inserts a wood blocking in the stud prior to mounting the door jamb.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable angle wedge that supports a replacement window and compensates for whatever sill angle exists on the previous window frame. A flange opposite the variable angle extends between a window engaging member and a sill engaging member. The angle defined between the window engaging member and the sill engaging member can be decreased by removing a distal portion of the flange.

Abstract: An improved dome structure on a base is disclosed comprising, in the preferred embodiment, of a membrane sandwiched between layers of rigidifying material such as shotcrete or reinforced composite which also serve to embed radial wires and circumferential tensioned prestressing. Various types of circumferential tensioned prestressing can be applied to minimize bursting stresses and can consist of steel wire as well as fiber or steel-reinforced tape. Further layers of rigidifying material can then be applied over the circumferential prestressing as a final protection and cover. The radial wires can contain spacers or hooks to preclude the circumferential prestressing from riding up on the structure. The lower portion of the dome can include a reverse curvature to minimize stresses and stabilize the structure. The rigidifying material may be composite which can be hardened by light curing. A second outer membrane can also be used for weather protection.

Abstract: Inflatable formwork mould for supporting one or more applications of hardening building materials, applied while still in a plastic state. The formwork mould is characterized in that at least two of its sides (20) consist of elongate, cross-shaped, modular base element (10), each having a longitudinal axis parallel to the one adjacent thereto; each base element (10) is made to conform to the shape of a U-shaped groove (12), and is produced from an airtight, flexible material impermeable to water and assembled by welding, stitching, bonding and the like. A link system (26) joins a number of base elements constituting one side to a corresponding number of base elements opposite forming the opposite side (20). The links (26) of a predefined length, preserve the entire geometrical relationship between the two opposing sides (20) of the inflatable formwork mould. An external envelope optionally made from an extensible material produces a smooth, plane or curved moulding surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for secondary containment of airbo releases from underground storage tanks, trenches, cribs, and vaults. Airborne releases of nuclear waste from previously operated nuclear weapons plants is a particular problem which this invention addresses. The dome structure is fabricated by large inflatable fabric forms that are insulated and hardened by specialized shotcrete processes for either spherical or elliptical type dome structure. This dome structure is designed to be reused and thus made mobile by having at least three large capacity crawler/transporters or a crane link-up and lift the dome structure for transport to a desired HTRW location. The dome structure is made of layered materials comprising a thin flexible membrane of urethane foam and conventional shotcrete placed on steel reinforcing bars.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the construction of modular structures used as a building blocks to create an habitation or integrated structures which form habitations. In both cases flexible molds are injected with mold materials to form the final structure created. An outer cavity of the mold is first inflated to create either a finalized shape of the structure or a partial shape for the structure. If internal constraints of the innermost cavity are already included, a finalized structural shape is obtained. If internal constraints for the innermost cavity have to be added, the final shaped is obtain after those constraints are placed within the innermost cavity.

Abstract: A method of erecting a span between two points is disclosed which comprises the steps of securing an elongated, flexible sheath to the two points; inflating the tubular sheath with a gaseous fluid to form an arched tubular span; maintaining inflation of the arched tubular span to effect a constant pressure differential across the sheath; further increasing the upward force gradient on the sheath by support apparatus; utilizing the arched tubular span as support for a plurality of hollow aluminum troughs; anchoring the troughs at the two end points to erect a permanent load-bearing span between the two end points; and, deflating and removing the tubular sheath.

Abstract: The reinforcing bridge is intended to prevent crumbling of plaster at the lateral ledges of window sills under the influence of vibrations, wind and thermal expansions. The reinforcing bridge has a piece of elastic, plastic profile, which serves to embrace one of the lateral cover strips (30.2) of the window sill (30). After the reinforcing bridge (1) is mounted on the cover strip (30.2) of the window sill (30), reinforcing pins (40, 42) are seated in the profile and protrude into the space, which is to be occupied by the plaster (26, 28) of the window jamb and the facade. First, the window sill (30) with its cover strips (30.2) is mounted, a reinforcing bridge (1) is then attached on both sides of the cover strips (30.2) and finally the plaster (26, 28) is applied on the window jamb and the facade.

Abstract: A method for applying a covering on a substrate consists in embedding a reinforcement (2) in a covering (10). To this end, a number of hooks (3) are fixed on the substrate (1), preferably with variable orientations and/or inclinations with respect to the substrate (1). The reinforcement (2) is inserted in the hooks (3) and the covering (10) is applied on the substrate (1) which carries the reinforcement (2).The hook (3) which is used as a fastening device is preferably formed by a substantially U-shaped rod, one arm (4) of which has a curvature which is reversed with respect to the curvature of the U-shaped base.The reinforced covering thus formed can in particular be a fireproof facing applied on a metal substrate.

Abstract: A plastic buck which is used to form an opening in a wall to be constructed of concrete or other flowable building material. The buck includes flanges on each side which contain mounting holes used to mount the buck to a wall form. Additionally, the flanges include holes for mounting fasteners onto the window buck thereby enabling the fastener to be cast within the concrete wall. The buck includes bracing members configured within the buck to prevent the forces of the building material on the window buck from causing unacceptable deformations in the buck as the wall is poured. Handles are also attached to the window buck to facilitate installation and removal of the buck. A plurality of knock blocks are located on the buck such that one may apply impact forces to the buck to remove the buck from the concrete wall after the concrete has set. Since the buck is constructed of plastic or other nonporous material, removal of the buck from the poured wall is facilitated.

Abstract: In a windowsill, when a sill attachment is pushed downwardly by the weight of a window pane, a pair of vertical plates of a sill member are pulled inwardly by engagement of downward hooks of a horizontal plate with upward hooks of vertical plates, thereby keeping the vertical plates from being deformed outwardly. Therefore, no gap would be formed between the vertical plates and side muntins, keeping rain water from penetrating into the windowsill.

Abstract: An improved dome structure on a base is disclosed comprising, in the preferred embodiment, of a membrane sandwiched between layers of rigidifying material such as shotcrete or reinforced composite which also serve to embed radial wires and circumferential tensioned prestressing. Various types of circumferential tensioned prestressing can be applied to minimize bursting stresses and can consist of steel wire as well as fiber or steel-reinforced tape. Further layers of rigidifying material can then be applied over the circumferential prestressing as a final protection and cover. The radial wires can contain spacers or hooks to preclude the circumferential prestressing from riding up on the structure. The lower portion of the dome can include a reverse curvature to minimize stresses and stabilize the structure. The rigidifying material may be composite which can be hardened by light curing. A second outer membrane can also be used for weather protection.

Abstract: A window frame system includes four basic profiles for new building construction and for various other projects including renovation, bow and bay constructions. One profile includes an outer profile for engagement with the wall of a new building in which the distance between the inside wall of the profile and a nailing fin is at least 6.5 inches. The height of the profile is then reduced to accomodate this larger width. A cross mullion is provided and a sash frame profile is also provided. The inner wall of the outer frame and the side walls of the mullion are arranged for cooperation either with a picture window unit or with the sash frame. The fourth profile comprises a renovation/bow profile which can be inserted into an existing window frame or can be snapped together alongside similar profiles to form a bow or bay construction.

Abstract: A deformable shim assembly for positioning a closure unit in building framework defining a rough opening. The system includes a plurality of flexible, generally identical shims each having a cylindrical surface curvature to provide a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface. The forward end of each shim is tapered and is defined by side edges with an angle of intersection bisected by the axis of symmetry. The side edges also define a plane that intersects the cylindrical outer and inner surfaces at an acute angle to define a wedge-shaped space. The space has a transverse cross section in the shape of a circular segment that diminishes progressively toward the forward end of the element.

Abstract: The application of technically sensitive devices in outer space requires adequate protective shields or protective chambers which protect the payload against atmospheric radiation, thermal effects etc.The foldable structure according to the invention consists of a topological arrangement of flexible tubes which are joined to each other and form the skeleton of the shield or of the chamber. To these tubes there are attached membranes which serve as protective walls.The method of manufacturing a finished protective device uses such a foldable structure, whereby the structure is unfolded by inflation of the tubes and assumes the desired two-dimensional or three-dimensional form. The membranes are also stretched by the extension of the tubes and the interaction of the membranes and the tubes, such tubes acting as struts in the inflated condition, produces a stable structure.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises a rigid first frame (1) defining an opening; and a glazed second frame (9) adapted to be fitted into and close off the opening in the first frame (1), the second frame (9) being of a plastics material and having a resilient part (27) integral therewith which permits the second frame (9) to be moved in one direction into the opening and thereafter coacts with the first frame (1) to prevent the second frame (9) from being withdrawn from the first frame (1) in the direction which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for fabricating a concrete panel with embedded glass block. According to the invention the panel form includes at least one partially anchorable support form. After concrete is poured into the panel form and hardened, the nonanchorable portion of the support form is removed. A noncementitious band (or collar), of which the anchored portion of the support form is comprised, remains. The glass block is then inserted within this band. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention a rubber seal may be inserted between the glass and noncementitous surface to both waterproof the panel and cushion the block to improve the completed panel's ability to be handled and transported without damage. Furthermore, the invention teaches utilizing the support form to create at least one support lip. Each lip may be formed as part of the anchored band or as part of the formed concrete panel.

Abstract: A keeper clip for securing the joints between casings of a type having a channel for attachment to a metal door frame. The keeper clip provides a secure and attractive joint without gaps or misalignment. The keeper clip has an elongated crosspiece extending between a pair of legs and an arm. Each of the pair of legs extend normally from an end of the crosspiece. The pair of legs and crosspiece thus form a U-shaped cross section for frictional reception within the channel of the header casing. The arm extends coplanar with the elongated crosspiece along the longitudinal axis of the header casing. The arm is resiliently deformable to receive an offset overlay of a side casing between the header casing and the arm. A portion of a free end of the arm is bent in a direction away from the header casing to permit easy insertion of the offset overlay. The keeper clip may be formed of a single strip of resilient material such as spring steel.