Abstract: (A) A process for building up towers consisting of a surface particularly not cylindrical which consists of elements at least corresponding to a large fraction of the height of the construction.(b) A process wherein molds corresponding to the length of the elements are achieved and subdivided so as to make only segments corresponding to a portion of each said elements, the size of said segments being selected in order to allow handling thereof, then the elements are placed side by side thus reconstituating said elements from corresponding segments of the molding.

Abstract: Assembly of a fiber reinforced resin tank includes joining a plurality of prefabricated arcuate wall panel sections by elongated joiner panels extending along the vertical seams between adjacent wall sections to form the perimeter of a cylindrical tank. The wall sections have a plurality of openings adjacent the vertical sides and the joiner panels have columns of transversely spaced pairs of protrusions for coupling with the openings in adjacent panel sections. The joiner panel is able to pass circumferential hoop stress from one panel section to an adjacent panel section by providing effective clamping between the two panels through the use of continuous filament and/or geometrically oriented glass or other fibers placed into a hooked shape so the fibers extend between each pair of spaced protrusions and curve into the protrusions so the fibers extend along the protrusions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for drilling concurrently a plurality of wells within a laterally confined area. The confines of the drilling apparatus employ a structure having vertically extending walls rising from a drilling floor. A plurality of wells are drilled, each employing a separate rotary drilling table and a separate draw work assembly mounted in vertical displacement from the drilling table associated there with. Preferably, the individual draw work assemblies associated with separate one of the rotary drilling tables are utilized only to feed drilling pipe assemblies into the well and to aid in the actual drilling operation. To withdraw drilling pipe assemblies, a master draw works is provided and is mounted vertically above the draw work assemblies associated with particular rotary drilling tables.

Abstract: A segmented cylindrical reinforced plastic manhole structure comprising a cylindrical body surmounted by a transition element. The transition element is adapted to support a conventional manhole cover and frame assembly and has an opening closable by the manhole cover. The manhole structure body comprises a plurality of curved, nestable segments of cast or molded reinforced plastic material. Each segment is provided with vertical side edges configured to provide an interlocking joint between it and an adjacent segment and the segments may be so sized as to require two, three or more segments to complete the circumference of the manhole structure body. Each segment is provided with horizontal top and bottom edges configured to provide an interlocking joint between it and an adjacent segment thereabove or therebelow so that the segments may be arranged in tiers to provide a manhole structure body of desired height.

Abstract: The invention provides a construction element in particular for towers, silos or the like, wherein there is a panel (10) whose edges form a hollow-shaped section (13) delimited by legs (14) carrying perforations (16) provided for positioning connecting elements (20) joining at least two panels (10) together, the hollow-shaped sections (13) of two panels (10) placed side by side delimiting a chaining recess (15) receiving framework components (22) and a connecting material to constitute the chaining.

Abstract: Several rings, having a predetermined diameter and spaced axially at predetermined intervals are joined by horizontal reinforcing bars to constitute a framework, and then a wall is provided surrounding this framework to form a substantially cylindrical structure. A floor is laid at the bottom of this structure and the openings at both ends of the structure are closed with a wall material. A gateway door is provided at one or both of the ends of the structure. Suitable interior fittings are also provided in the structure.

Abstract: A bearing member intermediate structural members provide for low friction relative movement of the structural members comprising, in operative position, a flattened tube having an elastic wall and an anti-friction medium deposited within the tube.

Abstract: A tunnel liner and segment are provided for simplifying changes in direction. The segment comprises a pair of liner plates each having a curved elongated skin with spaced parallel dependent sidewalls bent at an angle thereto, said liner plates being in spaced side-by-side relationship, spaced apart a selected greater distance at one end than at the other end, a pair of wedge shaped gusset plates in spaced parallel planes fixed to the sidewalls between said liner plates adjacent the top and bottom respectively of the adjacent sidewalls and an end plate at each end of said pairs of liner plates extending the remote sidewalls of each segment and connected to the sidewalls, gusset plates and skins to form a unitary whole.

Abstract: A reservoir consisting of a system of contiguous, prefabricated, plate-shaped concrete sections that are connected in a water-tight way, comprising that (1) the plate-shape concrete sections are flat or slightly bent and include a large angle when assembled, (2) the concrete sections are clamped in on side in a foundation running the full length of the reservoir circumference, (3) the sides of the concrete sections are connected exclusively by a pliable seal.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprised of two or more pre-formed panel members securely joined operatively with each other without utilizing separate fastening means. The panels employed utilize pre-formed snap locking means provided along margins thereof to effect interconnection of adjacent panels to each other or to a pre-formed connecting member interposed therebetween. The panel assembly may be incorporated into roof, ceiling and wall constructions, which may include integral corner joints depending upon structural requirements. Tools to assist in assembling panels into an integral assembly also are disclosed. The procedure of hook and snap-lock assembling a panel structure may be performed by hand; by utilizing the assistance of tools disclosed; or by utilizing other mechanical aids.

Abstract: An improved compost bin is disclosed and a ventilation channel is formed directly beneath the compost contained in the bin. A tunnel member having a perforated upper portion is contained in the channel to maintain a free passage for air to the base of the heap. The tunnel also prevents the walls of the channel from collapsing and the passage thereby becoming blocked either by the substrate on which the bin is mounted on by decomposing vegetable matter from the bin.In preferred embodiments, end caps are provided to further inhibit the encroachment of the substrate around the walls of and into the tunnel. Holes are provided in a central portion of each end caps to ensure free passage of air.The bin comprises a plurality of similar panels which interengage to form a plurality of vertical sliding joints. The dimensions of the panels and the tunnel are preferably such that, when not in use, the panels may be confined within the tunnel. The bin is normally sold in a kit taking this form.

Abstract: A silo having a cylindrical wall comprising a discharging device, having a frame being vertically movable in the silo, in which a delivery tube having an eccentrical suction nozzle is rotatably arranged in a central bearing and comprising means for collecting the material stored in the silo into an annular heap corresponding to the course of the suction nozzle, said silo being constructed from substantially rectangular, slightly cylindrically curved, flanged sheets provided all around with bolt holes, at least one straight side of said sheets being not provided with a flange, whereas at least two adjacent sides are provided with a flange.

Abstract: The structure of forming panels and panel segments for use in assembling free form pools is disclosed. Structural relationships regarding radius of bend of the forming panels and their lengths in terms of angle of arc defined per panel permit the construction of a plurality of pool shapes, e.g. kidney, oval, figure-eight, from a minimum of panel and panel segments.

Abstract: A liquidtight tank or reservoir, made of generally prestressed reinforced concrete, particularly for purification plants, comprising a plurality of plane plates which are connectable to each other and comprise substantially a central portion and a hammer-shaped element disposed at each of the two ends is described. Between two said hammer-shaped elements belonging to two consecutive plane plates which are approached to each other at the moment of the assembly there is interposed a connection element so that said two consecutive plane plates are connected to each other forming an angle which depends on the dimensions and shape of said connection element.

Abstract: A vessel, particularly a silo, has an upright shell of circular outline wherein a median part supports an upper part and rests on a lower part. Each of the upper and median parts consists of four arcuate sections which are secured to each other by strips or bars and screws, and the lower portion of the lower part tapers downwardly toward the axis of the shell. The upper portion of the lower part is a collar including a ring of triangular cross section which supports the median part and rests on four ground-contacting supports. The collar consists of four arcuate sections which abut against each other in planes including the axis of the shell and are secured to each other by upright T-bulb-section bars each having two flanges which are secured to the outer sides of neighboring sections of the collar by vertical rows of screws and a bulb which is remote from the collar and is located between the respective rows of screws to afford access to such screws.

Abstract: A shaft liner assembly has a series of layers of arcuate segments, the segments in each layer forming a circle, and each side edge portion of each segment being outwardly reversely bent. A series of connecting brackets each have a longitudinally-extending base portion with wing portions extending from opposite sides thereof and inclined towards one another, each bracket being in sliding engagement with adjacent reversely bent portions of respective laterally adjacent segments in two vertically adjacent layers of segments. The wing portions of each connecting bracket are on the opposite side of the respective reversely bent portions of the segments to the base portion to secure laterally and verticaly adjacent segments together.

Abstract: An improved housing embedded in the ground for use in crushing of ore. The housing has a generally figure eight configuration in plan defined by a pair of hollow, upright cylindrical segments with a common wall between the points of intersection of the segments. One segment houses a dump pocket, an ore crusher, a surge chamber and a discharge feeder and conveyor in descending order, and the other segment contains drive machinery, dust control apparatus, a lubrication system, hoist ways, elevator shaft, and other service facilities. The crusher in the first segment is supported on a floor supported by the wall of the first segment itself. The housing requires only a minimum of concrete and reinforcing steel since the cylindrical configuration of the sections thereof provide the most efficient resistance to lateral pressures resulting from earth backfill and surcharge from heavy haul trucks.

Abstract: A single building contains trash processing, trash burning, gas treating, and solids treating systems for substantially pollution free disposal of combustible trash material. The building contributes functionally to the gas treating system while presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A novel aspirator for mixing two fluids and a novel filter arrangement also form part of the gas treating system in such manner that need for incorporation of the conventional smoke stack is not required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure, such as a cooling tower, comprising a waisted tubular envelope consisting of a membrane made of a material which is capable of supporting tension in all directions in its plane. The membrane is pre-tensioned and carried with its tubular axis upright from a support which provides the vertical component of the pre-tensioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wall structure and components thereof and manufacturing methods therefor and, more particularly, in view of present energy crisis considerations, to a structural assembly comprising a plurality of individual components interconnected to form an integrated unitary structure of desired configuration such as but not limited to parabolic and/or other curved surfaces forming troughs, saucers, domes, flat wall structures and/or combinations thereof, some of which have particular utility in connection with reception and collection of various kinds of radiant energy including solar energy, without requiring or utilizing a pre-erected frame structure.

Abstract: Casing panel comprising voussoirs of the type comprising a web and juxtaposition walls which are substantially perpendicular to the web, wherein two juxtaposed walls, pertaining to two adjacent voussoirs of this panel, define therebetween a cavity for receiving a filling material and have, between said cavity and the outer surface of the webs of the voussoirs, bearing surfaces which are substantially parallel to the direction of the web and bear against each other so as to result in a high pressure drop in the flow of material between the exterior of the webs and the cavity.

Abstract: An assembly for lining or sheathing a network or framework such as a cable network to form a structure defining generally curved surfaces comprises at least one connector panel including two associated clamping plates and a filling plate therebetween for clamping and holding the covering panels employed to line the framework. The connector panels are attached to the framework by means of firm or elastic intermediate elements and are made from a material which is both weather-resistant and age-resistant.

Abstract: A hoisting apparatus mounted on a building structure has parallel-extending upper and lower tracks attached to the building structure and supporting a respective upper and lower traveling block movable thereon by a propelling device, a hoisting cage supported by and between the traveling blocks and a hoisting device for raising or lowering the cage between the traveling blocks.

Abstract: Tanks and containers and apparatus for constructing same wherein said apparatus comprises a plurality of bolt-together panels each of which comprises a curved panel portion bounded by flanges. The flanges are so formed as to enable a very large number of different configurations of tanks and containers to be constructed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compost bins in completed or in kit form. A plurality of similar panels are interconnected to form a wall in which one or more panels may be raised to afford access to the interior of the bin. The sides of each panel comprise complementary forked cross-sections which engage to provide a draught resistant seal. Preferred embodiments provide a space between the crotches of the forked cross-sections for the insertion of a securing stud.

Abstract: Method for constructing a bore lining comprising pre-assembling in the factory voussoirs into a panel in a jig having the required outside dimensions for the panel by means of a connecting material which fills the gaps between the voussoirs. Each panel has at least two voussoirs which are juxtaposed in at least one of circumferential and axial directions of the panel. The pre-assembled panels are then transferred to the construction site and laid directly in the bore so as to form the lining.A voussoir for the panel and a jig for assembling the voussoirs into a panel are described.