Abstract: The damped structural member includes a structural member and granular material in intimate contact with the member. In one embodiment the granular material is lightweight and has a bulk specific gravity of less than 1.5. When low weight is important, the granular material has a bulk specific gravity of less than or equal to one. The particles of the granular material are also in intimate contact with one another. The granular material may be substantially non-viscoelastic. Preferred granular material is low density polyethylene and glass microspheres. The granular material fills hollow structural members or is placed into intimate contact with open structural members. The lightweight fill effectively damps vibrational modes without excessively increasing the weight of the structural member.

Abstract: A framework for a small-scale building. Specifically, the framework includes four poles, two joint beams, two crossbeams and a ridge beam. The top of each of the four poles is connected with one of the crossbeams and one of the joint beams by a moveable joint. The joint beams are divided at an intermediate point into joint beam portions. The joint beam portions and the ridge beam are connected at the intermediate point with a joint. Further, the crossbeams are divided at an intermediate point into cross beam portions and are connected at this intermediate point with another joint. Finally, the ridge beam is divided at an intermediate point into ridge beam portions and connected at a joint. Each of the joints is bendable, such that the framework may be assembled, folded and stored easily.

Abstract: A method wherein structures can be assembled using blocks that form a lattice network which can be filled with a reinforcing material, said blocks being capable of serving as a permanent form that provides a finished exterior surface.

Abstract: A window molding for automobiles, which is installed around the periphery of a windshield, including a leg and a head. The head is formed to permit the creation of two different water guide portions extending along the molding, one that will function along the roof line and another along the side edge of the windshield. The side water guide portion prevents water from going from the windshield to the side windows. The roof line water guide portion opens toward the window frame and prevents water from flowing from the roof onto the windshield.

Abstract: A technique for forming an insulated monocoque concrete shell house, wherein the house structure is built using foamed plastic interlocking and noninterlocking blocks in a manner similar to that in which a log cabin is built using logs. Once the structure is built, openings can be manually cut with ease into the wall of the structure to accommodate windows and doors. The inner and outer surfaces of the foamed plastic block structure, as well as, part of the foundation adjacent to the walls of the structure are sprayed with concrete forming a concrete monocoque shell house.

Abstract: To improve thermal and acoustic insulation between the outside (O) and the inside (I) of a structure having windows or doors therethrough, stationary frames (10, 12; 52, 54) are secured to the building, retaining movable window or door frames (2). The stationary frames include two metal rails (10, 12; 52, 54), one (10, 52) of the frames being located at the outside (O) of the building and the other (12, 54) at the inside (I) of the building. The inner and outer rails are separated from each other by a double-walled chambered strip (14) having first and second elongated strip portions connected by cross ribs (21, 22, 23) which, therebetween, define chambers (17-20). The chambers are serially located in a direction of thermal gradient between the outside and the inside of the building and arranged in stepped or Z-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A composite structural post is provided for two interior walls of a building. Such post includes a rectangular wooden stud having four faces. At least one elongate metal angle bar is secured to the rectangular wooden stud by means of an exterior face of a first arm of the elongate metal angle bar being secured to a first face of the rectangular wooden stud at a first corner second arm of the elongate metal angle bar projects from the rectangular wooden stud at that first corner, and is adjacent to a second face of the rectangular wooden stud at that first corner. The interior faces of each of the first arm and the second arm of the elongate metal angle bar are provided with specificallly recited means to enable securing a first interior wallboard and also a second interior wallboard or interior sheathing by means of self tapping screws. The second interior wallboard or interior sheathing is disposed at right angles to the first interior wallboard or interior sheathing.

Abstract: A module panel for use in constructing different configurations of module assemblies. The module panel has an outer frame and a central core. The frame has outer shell and hollow interior. The frame has a plurality of frame members connected by frame connection member and a plurality of connector holes for inserting connection members for like connecting panels to construct a module assembly.Connection members are anchored to the frame via connector fastener members which have a connector cavity. The connector fastener members are inserted into the frame through an opening and moved within the frame to align the connector cavity with a desired connection hole for insertion of a connector member. The connector member is secured relative to the frame within the connector cavity for connecting module panels. Connector members may also be received within the frame connection members at the corners of two adjoining frame members.

Abstract: A building siding panel and assembly each assembly having a plurality of interconnecting siding panels that are attached to the building using fasteners that are driven into the building through a plurality of aligned and spaced apart slot pairs in a uniform manner that reduces the distortion that accompanies thermal expansion and/or contraction of the siding material.

Abstract: A linear actuator has a drum, a stiff flexible ribbon wound on the drum, a device for rotating the drum at least to partially unwind the ribbon thereon, a guide funnel for gradually forming the ribbon into a tubular configuration as it comes off the drum, and an attachment device at a free end of the ribbon for connection to an object to be moved in a linear path. The actuator converts rotary motion to linear motion without the need for complex mechanical linkages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensory interactive multi media entertainment theater for presenting innovative, sensory oriented interactive productions combining live theater and motion picture technology in a 360.degree. visual effects theater building. The present invention relates to a theater comprising a circular arena having a 360 degree media surface and tiered seating on preferably hydraulic platforms that can be raised or lowered automatically. Seats may rotate by sections and follow the action of the show to ensure that the audience witnesses every aspect of the production. The individual seats may rotate via automated control and preferably include surround-sound speakers built into the headrests. Appliances built into the seats, armrests and nearby flooring can create a changing thematic environment to complete the sensory experience. A center stage along with stage runners may be hydraulically raised or lowered depending upon the production.

Abstract: A bird barrier includes an elongated base enclosing a wire from which depends a plurality of pivotably mounted thin wire-like appendages. The base is mounted on a fixed surface in a manner such that the appendages can dangle in front of and hang below an opening such as a vent opening on a house or other building. The pivotable relationship between the base and the appendages allows mounting of the base on surfaces having diverse angular relationships with respect to a vent opening so that, regardless of the configuration of the mounting surface, the appendages will dangle in front of the opening.

Abstract: A building panel is formed using particulate mineral material, such as sand, with an adhesive binder, to form an aggregate. The mix undergoes a heating process to cure the adhesive, which also produces a porosity in the panel. The relative quantities of the materials are such that the resulting panel is porous after heating, with the interstices between particles being devoid of binder material. The resulting porosity provides for the limited passage of air and moisture, particularly water vapor, through the panels so the panels may "breathe" to allow circulation through a structure composed of the present panels, and also provides acoustic properties. The present panels are non-flammable, in accordance with the non-flammable materials used in the formation thereof. The panels may be colored or tinted as desired, by adding a coloring material (epoxy paint or other suitable coloring agent) which may be mixed with the sand and adhesive binder before heating.

Abstract: A penetration resistant door light adapted to withstand impact from flying debris as might occur in a hurricane or other high-wind condition. The door light includes inner and outer frame halves that support a panel assembly within an opening formed in a door. The panel assembly includes a sheet or layer of transparent impact resistant material such as a polycarbonate or laminated glass. The impact resistant sheet is structurally secured to at least screws extend through all of the inner frame half, the impact resistant sheet, and the outer frame half. In an alternative embodiment, a structural adhesive intersecures the impact resistant sheet and the outer frame half.

Abstract: A residential subdivision having plural adjacent building lots is provided with common property lines between lots which may have laterally offset portions extending between front and rear property lines. Residential dwelling units and vehicle garages or carports for each lot are placed a predetermined distance from the respective property lines to conform to regulatory requirements and to provide access to all sides of the dwelling units and garages or carports, respectively, for maintenance and repair without requiring access to adjacent properties. A dwelling unit on one lot and a garage, carport or other structure on an adjacent lot are aligned along a construction reference line placed in a predetermined position extending between front and rear property lines to provide error-free placement of structures on the respective lots.

Abstract: Refractory door jamb assemblies for high temperature furnaces. The door jamb assemblies include alternating courses of refractory brick shapes, selected ones of which are fitted with apertures that are aligned as by drilling, when the bricks are installed. One or more steel rods are inserted through the aligned apertures to fasten and retain the bricks in the desired position so as to cooperatively act with the bricks and prevent them from moving when subjected to thermal and mechanical forces encountered in use.

Abstract: A tile support insert of the present invention is used with a conventional tile having an upper portion formed by a plurality of intersecting cross members, and a lower portion formed by a plurality of spaced support legs. The tile support insert has a core plate with a plurality of openings formed therein for receiving support legs of a conventional tile. The insert prevents the support legs from deforming when a heavy, localized load is placed on the tile. The tile support insert will typically extend upwardly a sufficient distance also to support the interconnecting cross members which form the upper surface of tile. When nested together, the tile and the tile support insert can form a generally contiguous tile which dramatically increases the load bearing capacity of the tile.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a panel in a panel mounting frame to form a door, window, or the like comprises bilateral vertical frame elements, an upper transverse frame element and a lower transverse frame element assembled to form a quadrangular panel mounting frame. Each of the bilateral vertical frame elements has a recessed groove and a receiving means. A first bead member is attached to each of the vertical frame elements by an attachment means inserted in the recessed groove. A second bead member is also attached to each of the vertical frame elements by an engaging means engaged with a receiving means. A panel is mounted so that each of its bilateral vertical edge portions is disposed between the first bead member and the second bead member.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling grid for supporting rectangular panels. The grid members are elongated runners with a generally inverted T-shaped cross-section. Flanges on the lower side of the runners have inclined exposed portions and vertical portions concealed by rabbeted edges of the panels. The flange portions are configured with respect to the proportions of the rabbeted panels, to appear as beveled edges of the panels whereby the finished ceiling appears to be gridless. The runners are specially notched and trimmed to provide a strong but attractive faux miter joint at their intersections.

Abstract: A security grate is disposed intermediate a conventional multi-apertured vent on the front of a garage door panel to prevent intrusion through the juxtaposed aperture in the panel. A backing plate may be located on the interior of the panel to further hinder unwanted removal of the vent and the security grate fasteners from the panel to obtain access to the aperture in the panel. Alternatively, the security grate may be disposed adjacent the interior of the panel and then the backing plate may be omitted. A cover of insulating material is attachable adjacent the rear of the panel to prevent air flow through the panel aperture and to provide insulation. A transparent or translucent cover may be substituted for the insulating cover to provide illumination when the garage door is closed. A closeable opening may be provided in the cover to permit airflow therethrough on a selected basis.