Abstract: A wall constructed with several layers to form a fire resisting and thermally insulating unit; in one form the unit is formed with a central steel supporting layer on either side of which insulating panels are fixed; this is then clamped in a top and bottom bracket for securing to a floor and ceiling; facing panels are then secured onto the assembly: in a further form there are two steel reinforcing layers and an insulating layer as a core in between the supporting layers; the panels can be assembled for use as non load-bearing exterior walls or partitions.

Abstract: A construction unit of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, comprising a rectangular slab of reinforced concrete with a peripheral rib and square cross-section metallic tubular columns welded to the corners of the slab on metallic brackets thereon, the outer faces of the columns being an extension of the outer faces of the slab and, the columns having free extremities. A multi-story building is formed by juxtaposing and stacking units, with the juxtaposed elements of each story being interconnected by their adjacent metallic columns.

Abstract: An edge reinforcement for a sandwich-type building panel comprises a sheet-metal reinforcing member which extends along the edge of the panel between the two outer plates thereof and is of laterally open box shape. This reinforcement member is formed with a groove adapted to receive a spline that connects together the two like panels. In addition, the reinforcement member is formed on a section extending transverse to the two plates with a plurality of holes so that synthetic resin may be injected through this reinforcement member into the space between the two plates which are separated and held apart by the reinforcement member. The member may comprise a pair of like profiles each lying against a respective outer plate and in turn embracing a single sound-deadening inner plate formed with a plurality of foam-passing holes.

Abstract: A reglet channel having an unimpaired apron depending from the outer edge of its upper flange down to the level of the outer edge of its lower flange to protect the sealing compound in the interior of the channel from the deleterious effects of rain and sunlight, i.e., softening, seepage, drying-out and shrinkage. For ease in manufacture by extrusion processes, the lower marginal portion of the apron may be integral with the lower flange of the channel and may be provided with a single groove in its outer surface extending parallel and adjacent to the outer edge of the lower flange. After installation in a wall the reglet channel may be slit open along this groove to provide access to its interior for engagement of the retaining lip of the flashing. The apron, if unimpaired, provides the additional advantage of holding the installed flashing in position without the need for retaining wedges.

Abstract: A constructional element has an L-shaped body of molded metal or synthetic plastics material. The two arms of the body are provided with inclined stepped surfaces so that two adjacent elements can be locked together in one of a number of different relative positions. In this way a plurality of the elements can be used to build-up a staircase or variable height and extent.

Abstract: Foam plastic is injected into a hollow space between the inner and outer skin of a refrigeration unit. Contained in the foam plastic are metal plates positioned at points where walls, dividers or shelves may be attached to the refrigeration unit. The foam plastic hardens around the metal plates. Self taping screws drill through the skin, foam plastic and plate to rigidly attach structure being supported to the plate with a minimum amount of heat transfer through the foam plastic and metal plates.

Abstract: Space enclosures fabricated of relatively inflexible material, critically formed into a three dimensional shape which approximates to some degree the dome construction of common architectural form. Each of the enclosures representing the several embodiments of invention is comprised of a plurality of pieces, fabricated from material which not only has rigidity but sufficient thickness that must be taken into account at the juncture of adjoining pieces by determining the dihedral angles formed by the intersecting planes of their inside surfaces. This allows for the proper beveling of the edges of the construction members to establish the total angle at each intersection. The pieces, or construction members are actually planar members most of which are in triangular form. According to the invention, both the dihedral angles and the linear dimensions of the members are more easily calculated if the triangular construction members are restricted to an isosceles shape.

Abstract: A roof vent support arrangement for use in a roof structure including a roof deck and a built-up roof thereon and provided for supporting a vent pipe extending beyond the roof structure through an opening therein is disclosed herein. This arrangement includes a roof deck connector connected to the top surface of the roof deck directly over the vent opening in the deck and around the vent and a vertically adjustable tubular vent connector positioned over the built-up roof and around both the deck connector and vent. The arrangement also includes resilient members fixedly connected with the vent connector for allowing the deck connector to be readily inserted therein and, once inserted, for preventing its separation from the vent connector.

Abstract: Wall paneling includes a pair of corner panels, a center panel, and a pair of end panels, each of a molded unit construction. The corner panels have a pair of right-angular walls and the other panels are flat. Each of the end and center panels have upright marginal enlargements terminating in edge flanges. The inner enlargement of the end panels and both enlargements of the center panel adjustably overlap and receive therein a corresponding portion of a wall of a corner panel and are coplaner therewith respectively. The end panels extend at right angles to the center panels. Adhesive is interposed between the overlapped portions of the end and center panels and corresponding corner panel. Said paneling may be used for covering the end and back walls of tub enclosures.

Abstract: A roof vent for releasing smoke and heat from a building in the case of a fire is provided with a cover mounted on two track members for movement in the common direction of elongation of the track members which define therebetween an opening through the roof. The cover is permanently biased away from the position in which it closes the roof opening, but is normally retained in its closing position by a detent device which may be inactivated by temperature sensitive apparatus in the case of a fire. The operating elements of the vent are concealed from view and protected from the elements by being arranged under the cover member.

Abstract: A sports or stadium complex having movable stands to define different playing fields for different sports with stands substantially surrounding same is provided. The sports complex includes a plurality of stationary stands, and a second plurality of movable stands, each of said movable stands being adapted to move from a first position wherein each of said stationary stands and said movable stands are positioned with respect to each other to define a first playing field with stands substantially surrounding same to a second position, movement of at least one of said movable stands to a second position defining a playing field for a second sport and stands substantially surrounding same.

Abstract: A system of articulated planes foldable from a planar configuration to a compact low-volume form. The structure is formed of a series of hinged planes, the planes having inwardly hinged joints at one edge and outwardly hinged joints at an opposite edge, such that the series of planes can be folded in the manner of the sides of an accordion bellows. A plurality of such articulated planes can be arranged in parallel fashion, such that the folds of the second series mesh with those of the first, the folds of the third series mesh with those of the second, etc. The hinges joining the planes are thus positioned in aligned rows transverse to the extent of the plane series and are dimensioned to accommodate the folding action. The hinges of each outside series have a broader span than the adjacent inner one.

Abstract: A modular structural system utilizes a limited inventory of framework elements which in combination with a limited number of interstitial exterior and interior panels can be utilized to erect a variety of integral structures in which the framework elements bear substantially all loads. The same framework elements can be combined to form planar trusses and spans, domical space enclosing structures with integral foundations, and complex multi-level high rise structures. Polyhedral frameworks are assembled into arrays of interlinked triangulated segments for optimum stability.

Abstract: A frame assembly covering an area having expandable struts secured at their ends to connectors. Outer struts are attached to fixed anchors located at the perimeter of the area. The struts have separate members that are moved relative to each other in response to a force, as fluid under pressure or springs, to increase the length of the struts. Contracted struts and connectors are put together on the surface of the area forming a network of struts and connectors. The network may be arranged in regular geometric patterns. The frame assembly is erected by expanding the struts to raise the network of struts and connectors from the surface of the area. The expanded struts are locked to hold the frame assembly in its erected position.

Abstract: An improvement in a modular ceiling tile assembly having a zone occupied by ceiling tile having a curf in at least one side thereof, said zone defined by ceiling tile main runners interconnected by cross members, said cross members having a generally horizontal lip protruding toward said zone, the improvement residing in that at least one of said tiles is engaged by a spline having a generally horizontal base and a generally vertical riser attached to said base, said spline being slotted, said spline being removably connected at at least one end thereof to the generally horizontal lip of a cross member by a movable clip, said clip being disposable over said horizontal lip of said cross member to rest thereon.

Abstract: A tying device for tying a wood framing structure to a masonry block, brick or concrete surface comprising a clamping and fastening unit which includes a combination clamping and fastening member which in use is disposed outwardly of the masonry or concrete wall and is adapted to be clamped against and to be fastened to the wood framing structure. The new tying device includes a sleeve unit which is adapted to be inserted into either mortar joints or concrete and cooperates with the combination clamping and fastening unit to enable the clamping and fastening member to be moved and adjusted into and out of clamping position against a vertically extending outer wall surface of a masonry or concrete wall surface.

Abstract: A concentric building including a foundation; a first substantially circular platform serving as a lower floor resting upon the foundation; at least one second substantially circular platform smaller in diameter than, and concentric with the first platform, the second platform serving as an upper floor. A plurality of vertically oriented poles are secured between the first and second platforms, and positioned to rigidly hold the second platform above the first platform. A lower wall is attached to the circumference of, and slopes outwardly away from the first platform. At least one upper wall is attached to the circumference of, and slopes outwardly away from the second platform. First and second tension cables are clamped around the uppermost outer perimeters of the lower and upper walls, respectively, for retaining the walls in an upright position. A roof is secured to the top edges of the lower and upper walls, the upper portion of the roof being truncated to provide a skylight.

Abstract: Habitation cells are prefabricated and comprise a floor with U-shaped irons at the corner. The cell in place on a floor rests on these irons.

Abstract: A debris cap mechanism for use in connection with a housing to enclose and protect a re-entry hub of a subsea well features frame means adapted for engaging the housing, first sealing means adapted to be disposed between the frame means and the housing and operative to inhibit the passage of liquid therebetween, lid means movable between closed and opened positions respectively and connected to the frame means in such a manner that clear access to the re-entry hub is possible when the lid means is in its open position, and second sealing means adapted to be disposed between the frame means and the re-entry hub and operative to inhibit the passage of liquid therebetween, the frame means being movable and operative for moving the lid means between its closed and its open positions.

Abstract: A method of constructing a modular building by casting reinforced slabs having embedded transverse hinge elements located at spaced intervals and folding the slabs into sleeve-like parallelogram modules or tunnels. The modules are stacked and grouted together in various arrangements to form a modular building.