Abstract: A suspended ceiling grid system with an integrated aperture for accessories such as lights, air diffusers and like accessories. The system has an appearance ring of suitable size that forms the aperture and that interconnects with runner elements of corresponding suitable length. The ring is disposed at the geometric center of a grid module and the interconnected runners are arranged to provide support for the ring and related accessory.

Abstract: An entrance grating for office buildings is comprised of a series of closely spaced tread rail elements, forming the upper surface of the grating, and a plurality of support elements underneath the tread rail elements and tightly secured thereto at right angles. The tread rails are of extruded construction and include a hollow, tubular spine section for high strength and rigidity per unit of weight. The underlying support elements, also of extruded construction, are in the form of downwardly opening channel-shaped elements. High strength, expandable wall, blind fasteners are employed to secure the support elements to the tread rail elements at each of the crossing points to provide a strong, rigid assembly. The open bottoms of the channel-shaped supports may be closed by plastic pad strips providing resilient support and noise reduction.

Abstract: A modular flooring system for stables is made up of a plurality of modules that each include a frame element (1) and an insertion element (30). Each frame element (1) is equipped with supporting profiles (6,7) intended for the support of the insertion element (30), which is placed in the frame element when in use. The insertion elements can be easily replaced in accordance with the type of animals expected to be walking thereon.

Abstract: A shear resisting member of a frame structure comprising four triangular cross-section beams, each beam or stud formed from a single piece of cold formed sheet steel which is bent lengthwise along four parallel lines to form a triangular cross-section with two wings or flanges, side-by-side, extending from its apex. Within the frame structure of the shear resisting member, two frame beams have first beam lengths corresponding to the longer dimension of the opening in the wall to be reinforced, which are disposed parallel to each other. The other two beams have second beam lengths substantially shorter than the first beam lengths, the second beam length corresponding to the spacing between the frame studs or truss members of the structure being reinforced. Gussets are attached along the lengths of the wings or flanges of the second beams and the ends of the first beams to fasten the frame structure together.

Abstract: A metal lattice is provided which is formed of over-lying slats of hollow tubular form. The slats are provided with apertures in opposite side faces so that when fastened together by a rivet, the rivets are hidden from one side. In an alternative connection arrangement, the slats may be provided with tongues for location in slots in the slats. A method and apparatus for manufacturing the metal lattice is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a reinforcing fiber sheet which permits sufficient reinforcement of a concrete structure with a smaller number of layers than in the conventional cases, without causing fracture of the sheet within a range of yielding of reinforcing bars. The reinforcing fiber sheet 1 of the invention comprises high-elasticity and high-elongation carbon fibers 4 having a modulus of elasticity of at least 35 ton/mm.sup.2 and a fracture elongation of at least 0.9%, arranged in an amount of at least 250 g/m.sup.2 in one direction through an adhesive layer 3 on a substrate sheet 2. The object of the invention can be achieved by providing the carbon fibers 4 of the reinforcing fiber sheet 1 with the above-mentioned properties.

Abstract: A decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as wood deck joists, said decking plank comprising a unitary, elongated steel member including an upper panel, first and second generally upstanding walls for supporting the upper panel, and first and second mounting flanges for mounting the decking plank to the support structure, and wherein an outer surface of the upper panel is provided with a non-slip coating, and wherein the generally upstanding walls are spaced a selected distance from one another and the upper panel has a width exceeding the selected distance so as to create an overhang adjacent each generally upstanding wall for at least partly concealing the mounting flanges upon the installation of multiple ones of the decking plank in adjacent, side-by-side relationship. In another preferred form the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a steel decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as to wood deck joists.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system for suspension from an overhead ceiling of a room is disclosed which includes a plurality of wall trim members secured to the room walls, a plurality of main runner members extending from the wall trim members in a horizontal plane for spanning the room and a plurality of cross braces interlocking with the main runner members and forming a grid for receiving ceiling tiles, panels, fixtures, and the like. A plurality of clips are slidably disposed on the wall trim members, main runner members, and the cross braces to suspend those members from the ceiling and to support the main runner members and cross braces at intersection points in the grid.

Abstract: A wood railing assembly for use between vertical posts which may be attached to a wood deck, utilizes top and bottom rails together with a middle rail. The balusters include top, middle and bottom zones having non-circular cross-sections and the middle rail has matching openings. The top and bottom rails have grooves facing the middle rail and a lattice strip is secured to the ends of the balusters and fits within the groove on the rail and suitable fasteners produce a unitary assembly. The assembly is constructed using the middle rail as a template for positioning the balusters on top and bottom lattice strips which then fit within the grooves on the top and bottom rails.

Abstract: A double batted roof structure which consists in order of placement upon the roof rafters of a building, skip sheathing, a series of spaced vertically disposed members of metal first hat track, an insulative sheathing layer, a series of spaced horizontal members of second hat track, and conventional cement tiles.

Abstract: Wire fencing including a first multiplicity of wires lying in a first plane and extending in generally uniformly mutually spaced relationship and a second multiplicity of wires lying in a second plane adjacent to the first plane and extending in generally uniformly mutually spaced relationship in touching relationship with the first multiplicity of wires at a third multiplicity of intersection locations, the first and second multiplicities of wires being fixedly joined to each other at the third multiplicity of intersection locations, the first multiplicity of wires extending generally along mutually parallel first axes which are not perpendicular to second axes along which the second multiplicity of wires generally extend at a first group of the intersection locations.

Abstract: Treatment booth provides patient isolation for sputum induction and aerosolized treatment. The booth is provided with a seat assembly to enable a patient to comfortably recline in a number of positions. Hazardous microbial airborne particles within the booth are filtered using a removable HEPA filter and U.V. germicidal radiation lamps supported by a rigid floor assembly constructed from a grid of interconnected longitudinal and transverse members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structural material having a wire lattice configuration. The structural material can manufactured by first weaving a continuous wire filament on a loom assembly. Once woven into arrays of parallel wires, the filament is fixed in position and cut into segments. The segments are then placed in a rig. The rig positions the segments at relative angles so as to form a matrix or mesh. In the final step of the manufacturing process, the wires are welded together using, for example, a forge press. Alternatively, the material can be formed by first holding wire segments in a pair of rigs and then sequentially welding the wire segments together. The structural material of the invention can be used alone or layered to form a multilaminate material.

Abstract: A connector for suspended ceiling grid that provides a first end lock in a main tee slot and a lock with an identical opposed connector. The connector in the first end lock and in the connector-to-connector lock is installed with a simple stab-in motion. The connector works with a non-re-entrant slot profile that avoids the risk of improper assembly. The connector is releasable without tools and is reusable. The connector emits an audible click when fully installed, is resistant to damage from rough handling, and affords high tensile and compressive strength in its connections.

Abstract: Miniature hollow beams for easy installation onto a conventional inverted T-bar subceiling framework are disclosed. The beams comprise two flat portions adapted to fit snugly against the T-bar rail, the beams having two hooked arms that snap over the edges of the rail and inwardly sloping, downwardly extending sidewalls that provide a decorative V-shaped or U-shaped appearance when sighted from below.

Abstract: A rectangular reinforcing cage is provided for a cast concrete structure having longitudinal registration tubes at each corner of the cage. An outer reinforcing cage surrounds the registration tubes and a coaxial inner reinforcing cage is supported from the outer cage by a plurality of spacers. Each reinforcing cage has a pair of facing C-shaped mats having straight mats overlapping and connected to the bent ends of the "C" to complete each reinforcing cage. Each end of the C-shaped mats have a smoothly curved transition bend joining a portion perpendicular to the main portion of the mat. Each mat has a layer of longitudinal wires connected to a layer of transverse wires. The longitudinal wires being more closely spaced near the end of each mat than in the remainder of the mat with no longitudinal wires in the transition bend of each C-shaped mat. The longitudinal wires are positioned inside each C-shaped mat and outside each straight mat when a reinforcing cage is assembled.

Abstract: Diametrically cut lengths of half- or quarter-logs positioned side-by-side with their cut flat surfaces forming a pallet platform, a floor, wall panelling or a fence are mounted on support rails held together by interlocking tongue-and-groove or dovetail joints and fastening elements where needed. Support rails are hollow converted log beams made from three-sided lengths of logs arranged to form a rectangular cross-sectional outline and held together by spacers at intervals. Provision is made to assure a level surface by adjusting depth of grooves to offset log taper. Pallets may be made to be readily disassembled for space-saving storage, shipping or repair, and four-way fork-lift access may be provided.

Abstract: A lath for use in mounting plaster and the like to a substrate, the lath comprising a substantially planar, thermo-plastic grid including a plurality of first elongate, relatively flat strands extending laterally in a first direction and a plurality of second elongate strands extending laterally and transversely of the first elongate strands, the grid having a generally smooth side, and wherein the first elongate strands and the second elongate strands define a plurality of openings extending transversely through the grid, the second elongate strands comprising spacer portions positioned opposite the smooth side of the grid for spacing the grid a selected distance away from the substrate for allowing plaster to be introduced between the lath and the substrate without requiring the use of furring strips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid floor for a cattle stable. This floor comprises a grid formed by a number of mutually parallel supported beams with interspaces and a receiving surface arranged under the grid with a passage opening. The surface of the receiving surface is smooth and transporting means are arranged which are movable over the receiving surface and to the passage opening.

Abstract: A decorative art glass grid system is intended for use in a double window pane unit. The unit itself fits into a window frame. The grid system comprises at least two notched elongated members to form a grid, a set of holding feet slidably positioned in the terminuses of the elongated members and, optionally, a set of resting pads positioned in the elongated members. Each notched elongated member has a first groove extending along one wall of the member to receive an edge of an art glass pane, a second groove extending along an opposite wall of the member to receive an edge of another art glass pane, an interior channel, and a notch in a third wall of the member. The notch is configured to have a dove tail-shaped receiving section and a centered recessed section to receive another notched elongated member in a locked and substantially wobble-free manner.

Abstract: A method for joining tubular members at right angles for use in the construction of a rail and pole metal fence or grating, in which the poles are inserted through pre-punched multi-sided clearance holes in the rails and are secured in the clearance holes by a coupling bar that engages slots in the slides of the poles as it is inserted longitudinally inside the rail.

Abstract: A tile setting grid including a tile setting grid which is nailed or otherwise permanently attached to a floor or wall upon which tiles are to be installed. The tile setting grid is suppliable in sheet or roll format and has openings disposed therein within which tiles are laid. A plurality of alignment fingers which engage some edges of tiles disposed therein provide an alignment reference. The tile setting grid is also manufactured having a height representing a fraction of tile thickness thereby enabling the user to cover the entire grid with cementitious grout thereby providing a finished tiled surface.

Abstract: A generally flat composite structure has building blocks in the form of a plurality of multipurpose plastic building components. Each of the components includes an encompassing outer frame having a lateral surface and an interior. At least one coupling device is disposed at the lateral surface for joining two adjacent building components. Crosswise members and lengthwise members divide the interior of the outer frame into a grid of individual openings. The outer frame and the crosswise and lengthwise members are formed of plastic waste having been previously comminuted, then melted down and then injected or cast into a suitable mold. A method for laying out the components includes seeding or grassing down the components individually or in the composite structure before laying out the components, and then laying out the components in a seeded or grassed down (vegetated) state.

Abstract: A new joint construction is provided for connecting main members and cross members of a suspended ceiling grid. Both members are in the form of I-beams having a central web and top and bottom flanges projecting at opposite sides of the web, and the top flanges of the main members have depending lips at their edges. Each joint construction includes a notch in a depending lip capable of receiving the web of a cross member, and opposed slots in the top flange of the end portion of the cross member capable of receiving portions of depending lip on each side of the notch. The lower flange and web of the cross member end portion are configured to allow the lip to be interlocked with the slots by a relative tilting motion between the cross member and the main member, and the cross member rests on the main member lower flange when the parts are in their final position.

Abstract: A locking connection fastens two oppositely positioned cross runners perpendicular to another runner. Compressible tabs on the cross runners are inserted in slots of the other runner to fasten the three runners together. The tabs at one connection are positioned one above the other and the tab on one cross runner projects into a cutout of the opposite cross runner. Two cutouts on the opposite sides of each tab lock the runners together.

Abstract: A grid beam of inverted T cross section for a suspended ceiling is made from a first strip of metal. A second strip is secured to the bottom of the flange of the beam between flats on the first strip, so that a three-dimensional effect from essentially flat elements results. The second strip can be of a different color as well as a different material or texture than the first strip, so that additionally a color contrast, as well as a material or surface contrast, can be achieved.

Abstract: A joist to be used as a top joist in a sporting floor in which a plurality of floor boards (1) or panels rest on a plurality of parallel top joists (3). The top joists (3) are spaced apart and rest on a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart bottom joists (4) extending substantially perpendicular to the top joists (3) and supported on a base (5) by means of blocks (6). The top joist has a narrow, upper flat surface (7) extending along the joist and adapted to engage the lower side of the floor boards or panels, and a narrow, lower flat surface (8) which extends along the joist and which is positioned directly opposite the upper flat surface and adapted to engage the upper side of the bottom joists (4). The joist has a thickness decreasing laterally outwards from these two flat surfaces (7, 8).

Abstract: A grating assembly comprising end rails, substantially J-shaped, with a bottom, outside wall and substantially parallel inside wall, about one-half the height of the outside wall. The inside wall is formed with slots to hold intermediate spacer bars that support tread rails which are in a spaced relation to one another.

Abstract: A lath for use in mounting plaster and the like to a substrate, the lath comprising a substantially planar, thermo-plastic grid including a plurality of first elongate, relatively flat strands extending laterally in a first direction and a plurality of second elongate strands extending laterally and transversely of the first elongate strands, the grid having a generally smooth side, and wherein the first elongate strands and the second elongate strands define a plurality of openings extending transversely through the grid, the second elongate strands comprising spacer portions positioned opposite the smooth side of the grid for spacing the grid a selected distance away from the substrate for allowing plaster to be introduced between the lath and the substrate without requiring the use of furring strips.

Abstract: A stud spacer and mounting system is provided which consists of a plurality of studs, an elongated track member is positioned upon a flat horizontal surface, whereby the track member will substitute for a bottom sole plate. A structure is on the track member, for positioning and retaining the studs vertically in stationary spaced apart locations therealong, so that sheet rock boards can be secured flush to the studs when a wall is being constructed.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling framework assembly for creating either a flat or an arched ceiling in rooms of various sizes. The arched ceiling assembly includes a pair of wall starter pieces and a pair of arched wall side starter pieces, all of which are mounted to the walls of the room and form a perimeter structure thereon. A plurality of spaced-apart arched main track members span the room from one wall to the other wall and are mounted to the oppositely-disposed wall starter pieces. A plurality of spaced-apart crosspieces are slidably interfitted to the arched main track members and the arched wall side starters. An arched grid system is thus formed for supporting ceiling tiles, lighting fixtures, and vents. The flat ceiling assembly includes four wall starter pieces mounted to the respective walls of the room and which are beveled at their respective ends for joining together to form a continuous perimeter structure about the room.

Abstract: Construction utilizing composite pultrusion technology incorporates an internal web structure in the elongated members themselves, increasing the strength-to-weight ratio, while providing support for joint notches due to the strategic positioning of the webs. The joints themselves are modified to accommodate the exiting of one or two members from the joint at an oblique angle to provide more construction flexibility to make diagonal braces, for example. The improved techniques are incorporated into a power transmission tower which takes advantage of the electrical qualities inherent in composites to produce a mechanically and electrically strong tower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming a stone-paved floor. A flexible frame structure is formed from a plurality of connector bars linked to one another through pivotable joints at the ends thereof. Connector bars are coupled in a crossed configuration at center portions thereof to form a plurality of enclosures into which paving stones are fitted.

Abstract: A grating-like floor comprises a plurality of slats each having a flat upper surface and a longitudinally extending substantially perpendicular bottom projection. The bottom projection may be barbed and have grooves provided in the projection of the plurality of slats where they intersect in a transverse fashion, such that a series of upright slats plug into at least two slats turned upside down in order to form the floor. Except for the grooves, the same slat is used for forming the floor surface and for forming a base of the floor.

Abstract: A grid beam of inverted T cross section for a suspended ceiling is made from a first strip of metal. A second strip is secured in the bottom of the flange of the beam by flats from the first strip, so that a three-dimensional effect from essentially flat elements results. The second strip can be of a different color as well as a different material or texture than the first strip, so that additionally a color contrast, as well as a material or surface contrast, can be achieved.

Abstract: An open-cell lay-in panel for use in a suspended ceiling is formed by at least two strip members which are interconnected together and have at least a portion of each strip member supported on flanges of the runners adjacent opposite corners of the square opening. The strip members may be arranged to form an open-cube arrangement and they may have bent portions to give a different configuration to the structure.

Abstract: A wooden drop ceiling system is provided which is readily attached to an existing metal T-rail system. A uniquely shaped grooved ceiling tile support is clipped on to the existing T-rail supports by means of U-shaped clips. Cross supports are then clipped on to the cross supports of the T-rails and the basic framework for the wooden ceiling tiles is provided. Transition blocks are also attached to the existing T-rail supports at the intersection of the supports and cross supports. Attractive wooden ceiling tiles of various designs and shapes are then placed into the support grids thus creating an attractive and readily installed wooden drop ceiling.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling system which uses only two components to form main beams of an inverted T-shaped cross-section, cross beams of an inverted T-shaped cross-section and wall hangers of an L-shaped cross-section. A first, upright one of the components has a generally rectangular cross-section with one longitudinal edge recessed. The second component has a central groove for receiving the first component. The sides of the groove are stepped to give two steps which complement the recess edge of the first component. The first component can be fitted with its plain edge in the central groove to form an inverted T-section; with its recessed edge engaging one step to form an L-section, and with its recessed edge engaging the other step to form a J-section. The system may conveniently be sold in kit form comprising the two components and, possibly, joining members for joining cross beams to main beams.

Abstract: An L-shaped brace is used for reinforcing free-standing, light gauge, steel studs, gypsum board walls which are built up from a standard size, light-gauge track which is mounted to the floor. The brace has one leg which is fastened to the floor through the track, with the other leg extending vertically and being fastened either to one of a steel stud, or to the inside of a vertically extended length of track used to define the end of a free-standing wall.

Abstract: An elongated C-channel construction member made of a wood composite material. The C-channel has a blank panel with a generally planar panel front and panel back, a top, a bottom and two sides. The panel front has two grooves extending from the top to the bottom of the blank panel. Each groove has a depth approximately equal to a thickness of the blank panel. A flat back support is adhered to the panel back. The flat back support retains the blank panel with the grooves in a sheet form. The two grooves divide the blank panel into a web and two flanges. The flanges fold upward and generally perpendicular to the panel front thus forming the C-channel.

Abstract: A support system for trimming exposed edges of suspension ceilings provides a trim strip mounting clip which mounts on the bulb of an adjacent grid tee member and provides a face portion which snaps into and locks with a channel-shaped trim strip. The connector clip supports the trim strip from the adjacent grid members without any exposed fasteners and provides an uninterrupted finished edge appearance. Several embodiments of connector clips are illustrated, one of which provides a support portion pivotally connected to a face portion so that trim strips can be mounted on adjacent grid members in positions parallel to the adjacent grid members and at angles relative thereto. Also disclosed are splice plates which bridge between abutting ends of trim strips to lock such abutting ends in proper alignment. Such splice plates can be used with straight or curved trim strips and can also be used at inside corners.

Abstract: A resiliently mounted and constructed rigid floor grate assembly is disclosed, in which a series of metallic tread rails of T-shaped cross section, placed side by side and connected by tie rods, are separated by individual, resilient spacing and supporting elements. The spacing and support elements are placed between each pair of tread rails, underneath the tread portions thereof, and are held under compression by the tie rods to form a rigid assembly. In addition, the height of the spacing and support elements is slightly greater than the height of the vertical web portions of the tread rails, to support the metallic elements slightly above the hard surface of a floor recess in which the grate assembly is placed. Significantly reduced metallic noise and clatter is an important benefit.

Abstract: A decorative panel is disclosed, in particular for covering ceilings.The decorative panel is placed in a rigid rectangular frame formed of four L shaped angle irons, against the outer faces of which shaped sections are fitted, one for each side of the frame, the longitudinal edges of the shaped sections being bent inwardly of the frame, the edges of the decorative panel being held by clamping, substantially over the whole perimeter of the panel, between a flange of the L shaped angle iron and the bent longitudinal edges of the shaped sections.The shaped sections are fixed on the straight sides of the angle irons by means of a tongue cut out in the shaped section and an indentation formed in the straight side of the angle iron.

Abstract: A versatile cross connecting device is provided to allow, alternatively, either bridging or backing between adjacent metal studs. Such metal studs are "U-shaped" members with a broad base and narrower sides of uniform height. The studs are arranged in vertical alignment with their flat sides defining the planes of wall surfaces on opposite sides of the studs. The cross connecting device is formed with a channel having a base and sides that extend outwardly from the base. The channel is of a width equal to the width of the studs. The length of the channel is equal to the distance between a base of one of the studs and the closest extremities of the sides of an adjacent stud. The cross connecting device is provided with a transverse end plate located at one end of the channel and extending perpendicular to the alignment of the channel and also a tongue at the opposite end of the channel.

Abstract: A floor panel having a substantially planar upper tread surface comprises a cast grating havingfirst and second pairs of substantially planar, external sidewalls with upper side edges of the sidewalls approximately coinciding with the upper tread surface;a plurality of substantially planar ribs extending from the first pair of opposite sidewalls across the frame, and being spaced apart from each other;a plurality of substantially planar cross ribs extending from the second pair of opposite sidewalls across the frame, and further being spaced apart from each other and forming common intersections with the ribs;wherein the ribs and cross ribs form subdomains between intersections of the respective ribs and cross ribs, the ribs and cross ribs contained within one of said subdomains being left out to form an opening through the floor panel which is larger in size than other openings representing smaller subdomains within the floor panel, said larger opening including a perimeter notch formed at an upper edge of t

Abstract: A security grating of the type comprising an openwork grid is described. It comprises horizontal bars and vertical rods. The rods pass through openings in the bars. At the each intersection between a bar and rod, a set of tabs locks the bars against movement relative to the rod. A method is described for making these rods from common, rolled round rod stock. A four element punch is employed to displace, or swage, the rod material outwardly to form the tabs in an economical manner.

Abstract: Domed and cylindrical shell structures of interwoven lightweight strips of metal or other lightweight materials, and method of constructing such shell structures. Several weaving patterns are disclosed which provide requisite flexibility of woven strips to enable the weave to be formed into a desired configuration such as a domed roof or a cylindrical silo. These shells have high strength-to-weight ratios and inherently attenuate seismic vibrations to provide protection against earthquakes. The strips are interwoven on a flat surface at ground level and then hoisted into place. Modules of portions of the shell can be prefabricated and joined to other like modules at the job site to form the complete shell.

Abstract: A sashless bay window which has a sill (20) with a curved front (22), a pair of jambs (32) and a header (34), all attached together on the ends forming a frame. A number of curved muntins (42) are joined together inside the frame creating a horizontal sub-division with vertical straight muntins (44) connected at the intersection forming a series of rectangular or square openings. Curved window panes (46) either of a uniform thickness or with beveled edges are mounted into the openings with glazing putty (48) or stops (50) completing the window. In a second embodiment the glazing and muntins (44) and (62) are straight forming a segmented arc curve. In either embodiment, a sash is not employed in the window construction.

Abstract: A joint adaptable for use in a closure, and a closure employing such a joint, which joint comprises a first member and a second member, the first member substantially copingly fitting the second member in a joint footprint and establishing a boundary between the inside and outside of a closure across the expanse of the joint footprint. The first member and second member cooperate to establish a via substantially at the boundary, which via is of appropriate dimension to accept application of a weather-sealing material to establish a weather-resistant barrier at the boundary.

Abstract: A suspended ceiling structure adapted for unopposed intersections wherein the webs of the main grid runners adjacent the cross runner slots are provided with embossments which strengthen the web and contain the cross runner end connector against withdrawal. It is preferred that the embossments are placed at each side of the cross runner slots. The cross runner end connectors have tabs bent laterally from the longitudinal axis of the cross runners with the rearward edge of the tab bearing against the face of the main runner web, whereby upon the application of a pull out force, the tab edge bends outwardly until it presses against the ends of the embossments. This unopposed intersection structure is commonly referred to in the art as an "ashlar" condition or configuration.