Abstract: A pliable high wattage electrical resistance contact heater which is operable at two wattage densities and which includes a first heating element which is thermostatically controlled so as to activate at predetermined ambient and/or surface temperatures and a second overlapping heating element which is continuously activated when the heater is connected to a source of electrical power supply.

Abstract: A rapid response water heating and delivery system having a flow restrictor which creates a pressure differential within the water inlet point to the heating system which is sensed by a pressure differential switch for activating the heating elements of the system. At a predetermined flow rate, the flow restrictor yields a threshold pressure differential which causes the pressure differential switch to activate the heating elements of the system. The pressure differential switch can be adjusted to actuate the heating elements at different desired levels of water flow through the system.

Abstract: A prefabricated panel system which can be erected to form a watertight surface such as the roof or walls of buildings is described. The panels are structurally sufficient to bridge between spaced support beams. Each panel includes a rectangular sheet metal support subpanel having corrugations extending between and bridging the support members. A surface panel assembly comprising a Hypalon membrane intimately bonded to a thin, flat metal sheet by an epoxy adhesive is mounted on the corrugated subpanel by a foamed insulating layer. The corrugated metal panel extends beyond the foam and the surface panel assembly to form a corrugated lip. Hypalon fastener halves are disposed along each edge of the Hypalon sheet on flexible flaps for extending over the joint between adjacent panels and mating with similar fastener halves along edges of adjacent panels to form a watertight mechanical interconnection between the Hypalon membrane on adjacent panels.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing prefabricated panels which can be assembled in a contiguous, aligned relationship to form a construction section. In one form of the system, the individual panels may include a structural core with a flexible membrane covering, and include an edge portion adapted to engage the edge portion of the next adjacent panel to provide a substantially continuous seal between panels. The edge portions are sealable by fasteners which may be in the form of interlocking male and female members proportioned so that when joined the male members of one fastener will wipe along the inside walls of the fastener to which it is being connected to clean dirt from these walls and push the dirt into one or more dirt cavities formed when the fasteners are joined. Multiple areas of intense contact are also provided between the mating members of the fasteners to provide an effective watertight seal.

Abstract: A system of constructing a building using prefabricated wall and roof panels, each of the panels comprising interior and exterior corrugated metal sheets disposed on opposite major faces of a foamed core. The panels are assembled together in edge-to-edge relationship with complementary mating edges for securing adjacent panels. The joints between adjacent panels and between panels and support members are secured by self-drilling threaded fasteners. Metal strips are embedded in the panels to provide anchors for the threaded fasteners. A specially adapted insulating member is disposed along one edge of each panel to provide mechanical support without sacrificing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A circuit for allowing an air conditioner to be installed in a motor vehicle using the vehicle's existing heater and vent controls. A slide potentiometer is attached to the heater control arm that normally controls the heater air temperature. The slide potentiometer has two resistance elements electrically separated from each other, but only a single wiper that moves from one to the other as the arm is moved. The air conditioner and heater have separate blowers, but both are connected to the conventional heater blower switch. A relay is connected to the heater and air conditioner blower circuits for enabling either one or the other to operate. The relay is actuated by a switching circuit that is completed only when the wiper is in contact with one of the resistance elements and not the other. Another enabling circuit is completed when the slide potentiometer wiper is in contact with the other resistance element. This latter circuit enables the air conditioner temperature regulating circuitry to function.

Abstract: A prefabricated structural system including a support frame and prefabricated panels having strength sufficient to bridge spaced support beams under the panel is disclosed. Each panel includes a sheet metal support subpanel having corrugations, a thin flat metal sheet as a top surface, and a layer of insulating foam filling the space therebetween. A Hypalon membrane is intimately and continuously bonded to the thin, flat metal sheet and has Hypalon fasteners disposed along each edge of the Hypalon sheet and connected to the Hypalon sheet by flexible flaps. The panels are disposed in a continuous array and fastener halves are joined and the corners sealed to provide a continuous Hypalon membrane unpenetrated by fastener screws above the array of panels.

Abstract: A method for preparing extruded fasteners is disclosed. The fasteners are prepared by extruding a composition that includes as major ingredients, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, at least one stable polymer extender, at least one fire retardant and various processing and milling aids. A method for adhering said fasteners to various substrates and other components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prefabricated structural system including a support frame and prefabricated panels having strength sufficient to bridge spaced support beams under the panel is disclosed. Each panel includes a sheet metal support subpanel having corrugations, a thin flat metal sheet as a top surface, and a layer of insulating foam filling the space therebetween. A Hypalon membrane is intimately and continuously bonded to the thin, flat metal sheet and has Hypalon fasteners disposed along each edge of the Hypalon sheet and connected to the Hypalon sheet by flexible flaps. The panels are disposed in a continuous array and fastener halves are joined and the corners sealed to provide a continuous Hypalon membrane unpenetrated by fastener screws above the array of panels.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing a prefabricated plank which can be assembled in contiguous, aligned relationship with other similar planks to form a construction section. The individual planks are of varying geometric shapes and are of a composite construction having a structural core with a flexible membrane covering. The core may be formed from foamed plastic, concrete or the like and the membrane a flexible plastic or light gauge metal. The membrane covering includes an edge flap portion adapted to overlie the marginal edge of the next adjacent plank to provide a continuous weatherproof seal between planks. The flaps are sealable by flexible fasteners carried on the membrane flap and marginal portion in the form of interlocking rib and groove elements.

Abstract: A construction system is disclosed utilizing prefabricated panels which can be assembled in a contiguous, aligned relationship to form a construction section. In one form of the system, the individual panels may include a structural core with a flexible membrane covering, and include an edge portion adapted to engage the edge portion of the next adjacent panel to provide a substantially continuous seal between panels. The edge portions are sealable by fasteners which may be in the form of interlocking male and female members. The male and female member of the respective fasteners are proportioned so that when joined the male members of one fastener will wipe along the inside walls of the fastener to which it is being connected to clean dirt from these walls and push the dirt into one or more dirt cavities formed when the fasteners are joined.