Abstract: A system of constructing buildings by connecting together expanded plastic panels with reinforcing strips bonded thereto and wire mesh attached to the exterior surfaces thereof upon a foundation with at least a portion of the panels having a curved configuration to maximize structural strength of the combination of panels. Concrete is applied to the exterior of the combined panels with the wire mesh then forming reinforcing in the resultant concrete wall upon the panels and the interior is coated with plaster to form a low cost structure with very good insulating properties.

Abstract: Domed roof structures comprising a frame and covering to provide easily assembled and dismantled enclosures for uses such as swimming pool covers, garages, greenhouses, patio covers, sheds, tents and the like wherein a skeletal framework mounted on the outer periphery of the area to be enclosed, is covered by a flexible cover drawn taut thereover and buckled thereto. Embodiments to cover a wide variety of shapes of enclosures are provided.

Abstract: A large, thin-shell cooling tower, a method for its erection, and novel precast units. Upon a foundation a series of angularly-extending columns is erected, and the columns are joined at their upper ends by a lower ring. Then a ribbed, waffle-like reinforced concrete wall is constructed to extend up from the lower ring and to provide a shell with a shape such as a hyperbolic paraboloid. The ribbed outer (or inner) surface strengthens the structure while enabling the thickness of the portions in between the ribs to be relatively thin. A series of vertically-spaced horizontal circumferential reinforcing bars or post-tensioning cables and a series of horizontally-spaced vertical or inclined bars or cables, are included in the wall. The wall is preferably made up from a series of precast units that are of novel structure in themselves. At the top of the wall is an upper ring joining the various elements together.

Abstract: This improved domical structure is constructed of scalene triangular panels secured together along great circle arcs formed by the overlapping edges of the panels. Because of the reinforcing action of the great circle panel overlap, the structure requires no supporting framework.

Abstract: A skeletal building frame and buildings configured therefrom that can be assembled and disassembled by unskilled personnel with a minimum of tools and connectors. A preferred embodiment is a module fabricated from lightweight, low cost polyvinyl tubing consisting of a rectangular base connected at its corners by elbows, a ridgepole supported by vertical members connected to the base end members, and a plurality of arcuate ribs formed by passing straight tubes through lateral openings in the ridgepole, bending the ends of the tubes downward and inserting in vertically disposed openings in the side members of the base. The tensions created from the bending of the straight tubes are utilized to maintain the integrity of the skeletal frame. The frame may be covered with translucent plastic film or fiberglass panels and utilized as a greenhouse, storage shelter, garage and the like. The frame may be fabricated in a variety of sizes and extended by joining two or more modules.

Abstract: Temporary accommodation on a vessel is provided by a watertight accommodation module adapted for transportation on a container truck and for handling by container handling equipment, thereby rendering the module readily transferable from vessel to vessel. Mounting shoes, a framework support and locking pins are provided to facilitate secure mounting of the module on a vessel above the deck surface.

Abstract: A characteristic feature of the wall according to the invention consists in that it is composed of two parts of which the outer part defining the shape of the tank is prestressed, and the inner part is supported by the outer part and composed of arcuate portions adjoining each other, the surface of each portion, which faces the internal space of the tank, comprising a portion of a convex surface of revolution.

Abstract: A carpet installation for use with a frangible panel to assist in the disintegration and breakup of the panel permitting ventilation through an aircraft floor. The carpet installation utilizes positioning and hold-down tiles to reduce adhesive contact with the frangible panel and isolators to limit the support for the panel and increase the shear forces on the panel during breakup of the panel.

Abstract: A metal roof construction of the type wherein elongated metal panels are joined together at upstanding vertical side walls by a crimped batten strip. Shallow step strengthening ribs are positioned closely adjacent to the side walls to strengthen the side walls and prevent buckling and to promote flexure of the panel central portions at the step strengthening ribs under high upward stresses on the panels. The panels are secured to underlying roof support means through a special clip having a radius of curvature between an upstanding body portion, positioned between side walls of adjacent panels, and a lower flange portion, positioned beneath a panel. The radius of curvature is sufficient to accommodate the head of a threaded fastener between the clipped lower flange and an overlying panel. Radius bends are also provided between the clipped body portion and top flanges which overlie inwardly directed flanges on the panel side walls.

Abstract: A survey system employs a ground-based extendible mast so that survey instruments, such as cameras, mounted at the top of the mast can attain heights comparable to those of low-level aerial photography. The mast is mounted on a base structure that houses a self-contained power plant, including an internal combustion engine, electric batteries and means for compressing fluid and storing it in a pressurized state. The mast may be telescopic and also tiltable, and the instrument pack at the top may be controlled from ground level to move to selected attitudes, e.g. to pan and tilt.Simpler versions are described, omitting the power plant and adjustable entirely manually, and one system is carried by an operator rather than being ground based.

Abstract: An anti-smoke hanging wall has a channel bar with a downward-opening slot which is exposed in the ceiling of a building. Bolts hanging from said channel bar slot support a wall-bearer and a wall, hanging from said channel bar slot by means of said wall-bearer.

Abstract: An elongated member made of substantially flat metal stock is adapted to be used as a permanent member of a building structure to fix the spacing of structural members associated therewith, and to this end is provided with a plurality of pairs of laterally-spaced metal flanges located at modular distances therealong, the structural member of a building or truss being secured between successive pairs of flanges.

Abstract: A flagpole assembly for automatically displaying and furling a flag. The assembly is formed of a first hollow vertical slotted pole mounted concentrically inside a second slotted hollow pole with both poles mounted to a base. A cable, mounted on pulleys extends inside the first pole with the flag fixed to the cable, and extending through the slot of the first pole, and when displayed, extending through the slot of the second pole. The second pole is rotatably mounted to the base. A motor unit serves to wind the cable pulleys and rotate the second pole for furling or unfurling the flag, with associated sensors and limit switches serving to furl the flag during periods of darkness and periods of rain.

Abstract: A simulated exterior surface assembly for creating the appearance of brick, stone, or the like. A sheet of plastic material, preferably vinyl, is provided with a series of simulated brick face sections or the like, defined by lines of weakening, where such sections are separable one from another by ordinary flexing. The sheet is provided with a peel-away self-adhesive allowing the simulated sections to be readily adhered onto a suitable undersurface. An optional arrangement includes the use of a mortar colored vinyl self-adhering backing material which is first placed on the undersurface and thereafter the individual simulated sections are suitably disposed thereon.

Abstract: A curved architectural structure is formed by tensioning a membrane into a curved shape and forming an intermediate structure conforming to the contour of the tensioned membrane by applying a rigidizing material such as foam, resin or other lightweight rigidizing material to form a rigidized curved architectural structure or form for same. Cemetitious material having discontinuous reinforcing fibers, as of steel or glass, dispersed therein is applied overlaying a surface of the rigidized structure to shape and support a curved architectural structure of reinforced cemetitious material.

Abstract: A number of identical, regular, hexagonal and semi-hexagonal structural units are formed and some are interconnected in side by side abutting relation in the course of forming a dome structure of generally part spherical configuration. As the first units are interconnected, recesses are formed that are of generally distorted partial hexagonal form. Others of the structural units are then distorted as required to fit into the distorted recesses and assembly is continued to completion of the structure. The hexagonal units are readily distorted by constructing them of a number of elongated structural elements that are connected to each other in end to end relation for limited pivotal motion. The structural elements have broad outer faces that make an angle of 71/2.degree. with respect to a normal to the plane of the hexagon to facilitate abutment and interconnection of part circular rows of structural units in a generally circular configuration.

Abstract: A housing system designed to be transported as one package has first and second sections each including a floor and a side wall disposed perpendicularly to one another. By proper arrangement, the sections, which are of substantially equal size, can be fitted into one another such that the floor and wall of each of the sections covers a surface of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. In a similar manner, third and fourth sections, which are equal to one another in size and similar in construction to the first and second sections, but smaller in size than the latter sections, are arranged so as to form a second substantially rectangular parallelepiped which is received within the parallelepiped formed by the first and second sections. One of the first and second sections cooperates with one of the third and fourth sections to form a housing unit, with each module including a pair of such units.

Abstract: The refractory checkers can be saved from damage or breakdown by introducing a layer of a material having suitable compressive deformability, between overlapping brick surfaces.

Abstract: A hole repair device employs a dish shaped resilient member having a centrally disposed threaded opening receiving an elongated thin screw having a pointed end. In use the dish member is compressed and pressed through the hole to be repaired and is thereafter rotated back on the screw until the circumferential portion of the dish shaped member engages a continuous area surrounding the hole to be repaired. A suitable filler such as plaster, cement or putty is then filled into the hole against the dish member and the screw is broken off inside the repaired surface of the wall.

Abstract: A preformed manhole suitable for use underground is made of reinforced plastic. The manhole comprises a dome section integrally joined at one end of a tubular body by an endless band of reinforced plastic. The dome is arcuately shaped to provide resistance to buckling, and in one specific embodiment is generally hemispherical. The dome includes a manway and a load bearing shoulder for supporting the manhole cover and frame. An upwardly extending rib or collar is provided around the manway to provide additional stiffness and stability.The method for making the preformed manhole is also disclosed. The tubular body is made by applying resin, glass fiber reinforcement, and particulate filler on an endlessly advancing mandrel. The dome is made by applying resin and glass fibers on the surface of a rotating mold. The dome and body are joined by laying-up resin and glass over their mated ends.