Abstract: The invention relates to a constructional element such as a tunnel lining, part of which is shown in the drawing, comprising adjacent segments which have facing surfaces between which there is a joint which is physically deformable under load. The joint comprises a toroidal body or tube of substantially circular cross section received in complementary or semi-circular facing recesses in the surfaces respectively, and comprises a flexible material such as polypropylene and which means in the form of a nozzle for gaining access to the interior of the body. The body is initially filled with a fluid, which could be a liquid or gas, through the nozzle, which can then be maintained in the body by closing the nozzle as by a valve.

Abstract: An oven module for use in industrial baking applications is disclosed having apparatus for accommodating the longitudinal thermal expansion in the interior walls of the oven module located intermediate the ends of the module. The oven module is easily assembled into an oven baking line because its ends are fixed and do not vary due to thermal expansion. Therefore, the present oven module alleviates numerous disadvantages in the shipping and assembly of an oven baking line which has been experienced with prior known oven modules. The floor, walls and roof of the oven module have both an interior and an exterior structure so that the interior surfaces of the oven module can be independently and rigidly supported. At opposite ends of the module, the interior and exterior structures for the floor, walls and roof are fixed to a common support member.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method of manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adjusted for use in vehicle panels, include locating a preformed gasket in a support fixture in a predetermined pattern to be bonded to a sheet-like panel. The gasket is formed from a polymeric material separately from the panel. The panel is of appropriate size and geometry to fit within a desired vehicle opening. At least one panel surface to receive the gasket is prepared by being primed with a bonding reagent. The panel and primer may be preheated before receiving the gasket to drive off remaining carriers/solvents and improve the bonding process. The panel and preset gasket are pressed together such that the securing flange is in intimate contact with the panel. Locator pins may be used to properly position the panel with respect to the gasket.

Abstract: A toy building set element is formed of a first part and a second part which is slidable and resiliently journaled with respect to the first part. Both of the parts have coupling elements thereon which permit coupling of the parts to other elements of the toy building set. One of the parts may be adapted to receive a shaft through a cylindrical opening that runs perpendicular to the displacement direction of the parts with respect to each other.

Abstract: An athletic flooring system having a fixed resilient sleeper. Sleeve members are passed through bored holes in the sleeper and anchored to a base so as to restrict the horizontal movement of the sleeper while permitting the sleeper to flex resiliently in the vertical direction. The flexibility of the sleeper is further enhanced by the provision of transverse saw kerfs cut into the top and bottom surfaces of the sleeper.

Abstract: A method of constructing a floor so as to prevent squeaking due to movement of the floor decking relative to the joists. The joists are installed, and strips of resiliently compressible cushioning tape are laid on the upper edges of the joists so that an adhesive side of the tape adheres thereto to keep the strip in position, and so that a non-adhesive side of the tape faces upwardly therefrom. Floor decking is placed on top of this so that the strip of tape is sandwiched between the decking and the joists, and the non-adhesive surface of the tape permits the decking to be slid thereover to a desired position. Fasteners are then driven through the decking and into the joist to secure the decking in position, and the resilient cushioning tape fills any gaps between the joists and the decking so as to prevent the decking from moving on the joists and causing squeaks. A tool for laying the strips of tape is made up of a handle portion and a spool portion.

Abstract: A device for dividing coverings on a floor at a door opening, comprises a rail sunk into the floor across the door opening. The rail has a substantially uniform H-shaped cross-section, comprising a cross-member with first arms extending upwardly therefrom to define a first groove and second arms extending downwardly therefrom to define a second groove. A magnetic sealing strip is received within the first groove and is vertically moveable within it. A set screw extends upwardly into the second groove and engages a nut which is held within the second groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to games for use on windows and glass doors and methods of making same, and particularly, methods of making a thermally broken window or door frame made from two frame members that are connected by an insulating member. Existing methods of making thermally broken hollow frame members from two frame members either are complex and time consuming and complex or present difficulties in aligning the two frame members prior to pouring the thermal barrier material. The present invention provides the use of a guide to hold the frame members and am elastomersic gasket which forces the frame members tightly inot the guide and seals the liquid-receiving channel. The frame members can then be inverted in the guide and the process repeated to produce a hollow thermally broken frame.

Abstract: An extruded vinyl moulding strip for replacing the window in an automobile is provided. The strip has an "f" shaped cross section having an upper finger and a smaller finger located near the middle of the "f." The lower portion of the "F" has a foam strip adhesively adhered to the moulding strip. The foam strip allows air to contact the interior surface of a urethane bead placed on the lower portion of the "f" in order to allow the urethane to cure properly. The smaller finger operates as a guide to window replacement vis a vis the pinch weld of the window frame.

Abstract: A panel assembly and method of manufacturing the panel assembly, especially adapted for use in vehicle panels, include locating a preformed gasket in a support fixture in a predetermined pattern to be bonded to a sheet-like panel. The gasket is formed from a polymeric material separately from the panel. The panel is of appropriate size and geometry to fit within a desired vehicle opening. At least one panel surface to receive the gasket is prepared by being primed with a bonding reagent. The panel and primer may be preheated before receiving the gasket to drive off remaining carriers/solvents and improve the bonding process. The panel and preset gasket are pressed together such that the securing flange is in intimate contact with the panel. Locator pins may be used to properly position the panel with respect to the gasket.

Abstract: A glass reveal molding having a generally J-shaped clamping portion which exerts substantially even gripping pressures on both the top and bottom surfaces of the glass panel is disclosed. The molding includes a relatively rigid clamping portion and a more flexible crown portion. The crown may be provided with a high gloss finish. The molding substantially eliminates roll-over or disengagement of the molding from the glass prior to complete assembly. The molding also provides a crown which covers the gap between the vehicle body and the glass panel. Also disclosed are various methods of producing the glass reveal molding.

Abstract: A portable hardwood floor system of interconnected floor sections supported in spaced relation over a substrate includes a plurality of mounts attached to the bottoms of each of the interconnectable sections. Each mount includes a resilient pad to resiliently support the portable floor system above the base and a glide member located below the pad. The glide members are substantially noncompressible under normal floor loading conditions and have a relatively low coefficient of friction with respect to the base. The glide members are slidable on the base to enhance maneuverability in positioning and aligning the interconnectable floor sections, thereby to facilitate interconnection of the sections to form the floor system. The glide members also protect the portable floor section and/or the base and are also sufficiently durable to withstand frequent handling commonly required of a portable hardwood floor system.

Abstract: The invention is for an athletic flooring system wherein the flooring substructures are proportioned and positioned so as to give to the flooring system preferred properties in point and area elasticity. The subfloor is made up of a first and a second wood subfloor wherein the first subfloor is less continuous and more elastic than the second subfloor. The subfloors act in cooperation with a pad and with void volumes distributed in the subfloor to give the flooring system elastic properties that will render the flooring system DIN certifiable under the DIN 18032, part 2, tests.

Abstract: A device for forming a connecting transition bridge expansion joint between two surfaces having hard coverings abutting one another at right angles is located between a wall and the floor, where the surfaces are preferably covered with ceramic tiles. The bridge device includes a plastic wall angle section to be secured onto the wall. The wall angle section includes a cross-sectional, approximately Z-shaped plastic angle section to be secured onto the wall and has an elastically linked wall-connecting leg. The wall-connecting leg is displaceably received in a pocket which is formed within the plastic floor angle section securable onto the floor. An angular bend is molded onto the inner leg of the floor pocket receiving the wall-connecting leg. The angular bend forms an additional cavity for receiving the edges of the abutting ceramic tiles.

Abstract: A snap-in-place mounting arrangement for securely attaching generally flat panels to a support structure such as a wall or a roof includes an attachment strip having a pair of compressible, resilient gaskets for securely engaging adjacent edges of a pair of panels. The attachment strip is affixed to the support structure by screws, nails or an adhesive and includes first and second outer tabs and a center tab disposed therebetween. The center tab includes an arrowhead-shaped tip which is adapted to engage and retain the first and second gaskets respectively inserted between the center tab and the first and second outer tabs. Angled edge portions of a pair of panels are each adapted for insertion between and engagement by a respective gasket and the center tab for attaching the panels to the support structure via the attachment strip.

Abstract: A method for providing earthquake reinforcement for existing wood frame buildings by providing two truss members, the first for securing the building to the foundation and the second to prevent the building cripple walls from collapsing during an earthquake.The first truss member comprises a lower brace member supported between two L-shaped beams, a bolt through the brace member and through one L-shaped beam joining the first truss member to the concrete foundation, the second truss member comprising a brace member having a height determined by the height of the cripple wall and supported between upper and lower L-shaped beams, the lower L-shaped beam being bolted to the adjacent L-shaped beam of the first truss member.The lower beam member of the second truss member is secured to a wood beam which in turn is fixed to the cripple wall. The upper beam member of the second truss member is secured to a wood beam fixed to the cripple wall.

Abstract: A structural shock isolation system that may be used in building structure, or in other applications requiring load supporting elements is disclosed. The shock isolation elements of the system are divided into a plurality of parts that are keyed together with the respective parts separated by an elastomeric material. Each individual element of the structural system, while performing its load bearing function, provides shock and vibration isolation; further, since the parts of each element are keyed, the parts act as a whole in each structure to provide the required design strength for the system. The structural shock isolation system may be used in building structures as part of the superstructure of the building.

Abstract: A new concept wall system is provided, wherein a moisture and vapor barrier is positioned in an enterior insulation finish system to provide thermal stability regardless of climatic variations. Specifically, a two part membrane of multiple cross-laminated layers of polyethylene film fully bonded to a layer of rubberized asphalt is placed between the substrate and insulation layers of the exterior insulation finish system.

Abstract: A metal-reinforced polyurethane shoe protecting the lower end of a wood support system from shallow water or moisture on a floor, said shoe comprising a high-density polymer impregnating a rust-resistant metal mesh, and attached to the bottom surface of a wood support system by means of a wood screw or like fastener, thereby protecting the wood support system from the water and moisture accumulating on a potentially wet surface, thus preventing the occurrence of dry rot in the lower end of a wood support system.

Abstract: A modular wall system adapted for use as part of a clean room structure, comprising a plurality of unibody panel sections, each panel section having a uniform width and including an exterior face, an interior face, and laterally opposing assembly flanges extending along the length of each edge of the panel section. Each assembly flange includes (i) a flange side wall extending inward from the interior face, (ii) an interlocking member adapted to be engaged with another interlocking member of a separate panel to secure the two flanges together, and (iii) a sealing member for sealing openings between coupled assembly flanges. A support channel configured in size and shape for snug fit around the coupled assembly flanges includes a channel cap and side channel walls which extend for equal lengths sufficient to abut against the interior faces of the coupled panel sections. These side walls operate as spacer members for aligning panel sections as the assembly flanges are secured within the support channel.

Abstract: A hardwood, free floating floor system has upper and lower subfloors of wooden panels with criss-cross kerf patterns formed in either their top or bottom surfaces, a plurality of elongated floorboards disposed above the upper subfloor, the floorboards having transverse kerfs cut in their bottom surfaces, and a plurality of uniformly spaced pads supporting the lower subfloor above a base. The combination of the subfloor kerf patterns, the floorboard kerfs, and the compressible, deflectable pads provides a free floating hardwood floor system which meets the difficult standards established by the Otto Graf Institut of West Germany for assessing a floor's ability to reduce injury and to provide highly consistent performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method of sealing a joint between two adjacent members comprises the steps of forming a gap between the members to be sealed and then introducing a bead of resilient solid material into the gap. The bead is subsequently treated to render it temporarily plastic or fluid so as to cause it to adhere to the facing edges of the members. This treatment can best be effected using a hot air blower. The bottom of the bead may be provided with a non-adhesive strip to prevent adhesion to the bottom of the gap, or the process may be performed in such a way that the bottom portion of the bead is not fused so that it does not adhere to the bottom of the gap.

Abstract: A fire resistant flexible seal for sealing a breach between movable architectural barriers. The flexible seal is comprised of a plurlaity of layers of fire resistant materials. In a preferred embodiment, a first non-porous sheet is affixed to each side of the breach and forms an open loop within the gap. The size of the loop may be varied to accommodate the amount of movement anticipated by the architect. A blanket of ceramic insulating material is nested within the loop formed by the non-porous sheet and a second blanket is mounted in an open loop across the breach, thereby defining an enclosed air space between the ceramic insulating blankets. A second non-porous sheet is nested within the upper ceramic blanket and serves to enclose the ceramic blankets within a moisture resistant envelope. In alternate applications in which it is desired to achieve the capability to withstand high pressure, an additional sheet of high strength heat resistant material can be added to the seal.

Abstract: Expansion gaps formed between bellows type side walls of evacuated heat ilating wall components of gas and pressure-tight containers are sealed by elastically deformable corrugated expansion sheet metal strips welded to the surfaces of neighboring wall components, and by specially shaped junction covers secured in a gas-tight manner to the wall components and to the strips. The covers have a central cavity and ondulating depressions merging into corrugations of the sheet metal strips. The expansion gaps are also evacuated and filled with a suitable insulating material. Mechanically loadable support elements may be located in the expansion gaps.

Abstract: An expansion joint for a grain silo is sealed by a mesh-reinforced diaphragm having its peripheral edge-portions bonded to surfaces of the silo adjoining the joint to form a continous seal around it. The intermediate portion of the diaphragm has a flexible bulging portion protecting the joint and spaced from it. The diaphragm is made by covering the joint with a separating strip and applying a thick continuous layer of a viscous sealing agent over the exposed faces of the strip and the adjoining silo surfaces. The mesh is incorporated into the layer and has stiffly-resilient strands extending in the direction of flexing of the diaphragm. The layer cures to form the diaphragm which separates spontaneously from the separation strip the first time the silo expands, to form a bulging portion in the diphragm around the joint.

Abstract: A building structure shock isolation system is disclosed incorporating aseismic bearings for positioning between major structural components of the building and between such components and the building foundation. The aseismic bearings include opposing plates having interlocking cross-sectional configurations with respect to each other to form a keyed shear and uplift proof element positioned between the foundation and the structural elements. An elastomeric layer is placed between the plates to provide shock and vibration isolation and energy dissipation.

Abstract: A "dry" two sided vertical structural butt glaze system for window structures wherein a modular frame assembly is fabricated and glazed off-site. The assembly is installed in the window structure from the building interior and is provided with gasket strips which seal the exterior butt joint between adjacent panels of the frame assemblies. Exterior scaffolding and caulking operations are eliminated.

Abstract: A resiliently-cushioned adhesively-applied floor system is comprised of a plurality of floor panels secured to a support base by an adhesive which is spread on at least one of the support base or the floor panels with a generally uniform thickness. A plurality of elongated support members fabricated from pre-cured elastomeric material are positioned between the floor panels and the support base. The floor panels are forced toward the support base so that the adhesive forms a bond between the floor panels and the support base or between the support members and the support base.

Abstract: A modular panel of glass fiber reinforced concrete having a thickness of at least 3/8 inch, and containing four (4) to six (6) percent glass fiber and at least fifty (50) percent by weight cement, has upstanding edges forming flanges oriented normal to the plane of the panel and a thickness equal to the thickness of the panel, which flanges on contiguous panels can be joined to form a composite wall structure by bolting said flanges together. The novel panel and flange arrangement allows self-supporting wall structures to be constructed wherein only lateral loading (normal to the plane of the wall) need be carried by the adjacent framework. An elastomer gasket is used between the flanges to accommodate expansion and contraction of the individual panels in a composite wall of the panels.The invention includes composite walls of a plurality of the panels and a building structure employing such composite walls, with an adjacent framework and the interconnective arrangements between these several components.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a first substantially rigid layer overlying a foundation, a plurality of resilient pads disposed between the first layer and the foundation, a layer of resilient material overlying the first layer, a second substantially rigid layer overlying the resilient layer, a third substantially rigid layer overlying the second layer, and a floor board overlying the third layer.

Abstract: A laminate and process for forming the same are demonstrated herein whereby a solid wood lamina is adhered to a corrugated lamina by conventional gluing techniques. The laminate so formed is light in weight and has excellent structural qualities and is useful in manufacturing arcuate and other frames for windows, doors, or other preformed assemblies which are relatively low in cost and which can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: A floor panel for use in elevated floor assemblies, having a unique flexible edge construction including a relatively thin, flexible strip extending around the entire perimeter of the panel and projecting laterally outwardly from contiguous side and end faces of the panel. Plural panels supported on spaced pedestals are disposed in side-by-side relation with adjacent side and end faces spaced from each other but with adjacent flexible strips in edge-overlapped relation.

Abstract: A floor plate which is adapted to accommodate a filler material includes a base plate and a frame; a plurality of ribs extending parallel to one another and projecting from the plane of the base plate. The frame extends integrally from the base plate along a perimeter thereof and in the same direction as the ribs. A plurality of reinforcing rails extends parallel to one another and perpendicularly to the ribs; each rail is fastened to several ribs. A channel is formed along a free circumferential edge of the frame; the channel is open in a direction toward the plane of the base plate.

Abstract: A curtain wall panel supporting device in which batten members are connected to one side faces of right and left vertical frame members and upper and lower horizontal frame members through connection members having a heat insulating property to constitute a rectangular frame having concave grooves which are contiguous along the four inner peripheries of the frame and which are open in vertical and transverse directions with respect to the curtain wall plane, and panel (6) is grippingly supported in those concave grooves through room-inside and-outside seal members to form spaces between the panel (6) and the concave grooves which spaces are contiguous along the four inner peripheries of the frame and are open to the outside air, and the portions of the connection members facing the concave grooves are covered with the room-inside seal members.

Abstract: A damping building structure, in the form of a floor joist, spanning two separated supports. Oscillations in the joist are damped by a pair of overlapping plates which are clamped together by one or more nuts and bolts. One of the plates is secured to the floor joist being damped, and the other of the plates is secured, directly or indirectly, to ground. The friction between the overlapping plates acts to damp any oscillations in the floor joist. A spring may be interposed between one of the plates and the nut or bolthead, and, if desired, a friction material may be sandwiched between the plates. The damping arrangement may be secured to the floor joist at one end, at both ends, or at mid-point of the span between the two supports.

Abstract: A panel is provided to enable easy and fast installation with well hidden seams. The panel includes a substrate to which a face layer is adhered. The face layer is free of the substrate adjacent the two side edges thereof. Additionally, the face layer overhangs one side edge. A resilient strip of material is adhered to the substrate adjacent the edge of the panel having the overhanging face layer.

Abstract: A new method of construction for building basements. Precast concrete studs are used to build the framework of the vertical walls of the basement, rigid sheet insulation is attached to the outside of the concrete studs, and wire mesh is attached to the sheet insulation. Concrete is then sprayed onto the insulation and wire to form a continuous waterproof outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for damping impacts caused by the fall of heavy objects. This device comprises a group of deformable mechanical members arranged perpendicularly to a first plate and a second plate, a supplementary plate having substantially the same weight as each mechanical member being placed between the latter and the second plate. The supplementary plates are contiguous and each mechanical member has at least one predeformation at its end adjacent to the second plate. Application to the protection of discharge ponds against the fall of caskets.

Abstract: A floating system comprising a foundation, support members on the foundation, floating members on the foundation and location between and generally parallel to support members, floorboards superposed on the support members and the floating members, strips of resilient material between the floating members and the floorboards, and means for fastening the floorboards to the support members so that the strips of resilient material are in compression between the floorboards and the floating members.

Abstract: A dance floor construction is provided by a spaced, webbed, network of planks which are uniquely layered so that an air cushion space is provided at every cross-sectional area of the construction. The construction is unitized with tongue and groove interfitting for portable ready assembly of the flooring. The flooring is particularly suited for dancing, as well as for other uses.

Abstract: A rigid soundproofing panel is supported from a vibration-prone wall through a support system which includes an elastomeric plate isolator of selected spring rate to tune the suspension system so that minimal wall vibrations are imparted to the soundproofing panel, and a second elastomeric member in parallel with the first in the form of an acoustic edge seal extending between the wall and the soundproofing panel throughout the full periphery of the soundproofing panel so as to prevent acoustic flanking therebetween and being of substantially reduced spring rate as compared to that of the elastomeric plate isolator so as not to interfere with system tuning.

Abstract: An edge structure for use with a room dividing panel is provided, as well as room dividing panels utilizing the edge structure, and a method of manufacture and/or utilization of such panels. The edge structure includes a unitary extrusion, elongated in a first dimension, of flexible plastic material. The extrusion includes a hollow anchoring portion adapted to anchor the extrusion in a channel in the room dividing panel, and elongated in a second dimension transverse to the first dimension; a pair of support portions extending outwardly from and on opposite sides of the anchoring portion and adapted to engage and overlap an edge of the room dividing panel; and a pair of flexible lips. Each of the lips has one end thereof integral with a support portion, extends toward the other of the support portions, and terminates in a free end unconnected to any other structures.

Abstract: Vibration energy is absorbed in a structure in which bores are formed in a rigid part and viscoelastic material is applied in the bores.

Abstract: A joint system for structural panels in which the panels have an edge construction providing a U-shaped profile having a side leg spanning between the opposite surfaces of the panel, a base coplanar with one of the surfaces and a clamp leg having an inwardly projecting portion. The panels are interconnected by cover strips of U-shaped cross section having a body adapted to overlie the clamp legs of the adjoining panels. At the opposite side edges of the body, arms extend inwardly and mount locking strips which extend toward the center of the body and are adapted to engage with the inwardly projecting portions of the profile to permit the panels to be connected in endwise alignment, at right angles, or in back-to-back relation. The patent specification discloses several different configurations of the U-shaped construction and several different configurations for the cover strips.

Abstract: A heat-damming compound profile for window or door frames or similar components in which there is provided two metal profile rods and an intermediate layer connecting these profile rods. The intermediate layer is composed of a profiled shape-retaining insulating strip. Each profile bar is provided with a forcible guide for the insulating strip and are connected by oppositely located lugs outside the insulating strip. Each lug is provided with a small continuous cam which is movable against a corresponding projection of the insulating strip. The invention also provides a method of making a heat-damming compound profile by pushing the insulating strip into the forcible guides and into the lateral pins of the profile bars, and exerting pressure from the exterior by means of rollers or pressure gliders upon the metallic lugs at simultaneous directed support of the profile bars at the sides opposite the lugs.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling panel assembly particularly where one side of the panel is a mirror. The assembly to be suspended from supports. On the panel is a hanger, and a locking member is pivotally joined to the hanger. The locking member has a stable position which allows it to be hung from the supports. The locking member is pivotable out of its stable position to a second stable position which allows the panel to be removed from the support.

Abstract: A sheet metal panel for a standing seam roof, a standing seam roof formed of the panels, and a method of installing the roof. Each panel is generally in the form of a shallow channel, having a web and first and second flanges extending up from the web at opposite sides of the web. The first flange has a downwardly opening channel section at its upper margin on the outside, with a sealing strip in this channel section. The second flange has a sealing lip section at its upper margin on the inside. In the roof, the panels are mounted alongside one another on the panel supporting means (e.g., purlins) of the roof, with the first and second flanges of adjacent panels alongside one another and with the lip section on the second flange of one of two adjacent panels sealingly engaging the sealing means in the channel section on the first flange of the other of two adjacent panels.

Abstract: A bulkhead structure for partitioning a deck comprises a bulkhead panel for partitioning the deck. The bulkhead panel has an elongated slot therein. A base member is affixed to the deck and received within the elongated slot for supporting the bulkhead panel. Corrosion prevention apparatus between the bulkhead panel and the base member inhibits corrosion of the bulkhead structure.

Abstract: A bulkhead construction for partitioning a deck comprises a lower panel member having an L-shaped portion affixed to the deck. An upper panel member has an L-shaped portion interfitting in the L-shaped portion of the lower panel whereby the upper panel member is supported by the lower panel member. A plate element for affixing the panel members to each other is fastened to the upper and lower panel members. A second embodiment of the invention comprises the lower panel member being constituted of a first metal. A base member constituted of a second metal is affixed to the deck for receiving the lower panel member. Polymeric material is disposed between the panel member and the base member to prevent contact of the first and second metals in order that corrosion is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A resilient metal runner for attaching gypsum wallboard to a supporting structure including a base attaching flange with a curved over section merging into a flexible web which is integral with a first flange extending at an inclined angle from an edge of the flexible web and a support portion having one edge coextensive with the adjoining edge of such angled flange in laterally offset relation to the flexible web with an inclined stop flange coextensive with the opposite edge of the support portions and extending at an opposite angle to the first flange and of substantially similar width to the first flange. The flexible web is provided with cutout portions for the securement of fastenings through the base attaching flange.