Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved concept for using flat sheathing materials to construct the curved roof of a domical structure with the underlying dome frame and the shape of the roof panels designed to permit originally flat sheathing material to be curved in different directions. Thus, a single flat sheet of sheathing material may contain several different curved surfaces, improving the appearance and the shell effect of the roof and increasing the strength and economic efficiency of the domical structure.

Abstract: A multiple level building structure utilizing a first set of precast reinforced concrete modules having integral supporting legs separated by a second set of precast or in situ cast reinforced concrete modules, each of the second set of modules being supported along opposite side margins by members of the first set of modules; the structure also including, if desired, a third set of modules of greater width than the first or second set of modules, the modules having tendon guideways therein and being secured together by removable post tensioning tendons strung through the guideways.

Abstract: Greenhouse or storage structures in several embodiments of different sizes are capable of being mass produced in major subassemblies and then shipped knocked down and flat to a final erection site. Then they are erected in a matter of minutes by one person in respect to smaller ones and in less than two hours by two persons in respect to larger ones. Each greenhouse has a combined wall and roof assembly comprised of semi-rigid sheet material, generally fiberglass, originating in a rectangular shape. Using respective jigs, these rectangular sheets are laid over and fastened to several spaced and parallel pieces of flexible plastic conduit, which serve jointly as wall and roof reinforcements or supports. These flexible plastic reinforcements are aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis or each greenhouse. They also extend beyond the edges of the fiberglass sheet on both sides.

Abstract: A frameless shelter is disclosed constructed of a plurality of spherically shaped panel sections having the same radius of curvature and fabricated from a sunlight transmitting plastic adapted to be assembled together to form a dome structure. The panel sections are formed with U-shaped channel edges adapted to nest together with the contiguous edges of adjacent panels so as to provide vertically extending stiffener ribs so that a separate frame is not required, and at the same time act as locating means for the panels so that the dome may be readily assembled. The edges of the lowermost tier of panels rest in a channel support extending about the periphery thereof and resting on footings at ground level or on a wall structure extending above the ground. A center pole reinforcement is also included which also provides an electrical conduit for an electrically operated exhaust fan which may be included.

Abstract: A portable building structure, wherein a floor section supports corner posts which receive wall panels, the corner posts supporting a ceiling structure. Within the building structure is a portable toilet and a vent pipe extends upwardly through the ceiling structure. The floor structure, corner posts and ceiling structure are readily separable to render the building structure portable.

Abstract: A double wall fabric panel unit for use as a wall section in the construction of inflatable buildings comprising an elongated exterior fabric envelope panel having a plastic coating on each side, and an elongated thermal liner panel having side edge strips heat-sealed to the exterior panel. The thermal liner has a foil layer facing the exterior panel and a white plastic layer on the opposite side. The side edge strips are periodically interrupted to provide air passageways to vent air from between the panels when the unit is rolled.

Abstract: A multiple level building structure utilizing a first set of precast reinforced concrete modules having integral supporting legs separated by a second set of precast or in situ cast reinforced concrete modules, each of the second set of modules being supported along opposite side margins by members of the first set of modules; the structure also including, if desired, a third set of modules of greater width than the first or second set of modules, the modules having tendon guideways therein and being secured together by removable post tensioning tendons strung through the guideways.

Abstract: There is disclosed a picture frame which is fabricated from a single piece of an extruded metallic member which has an "F" shaped cross section. The member is suitably notched at predetermined intervals and bent at scored lines. The opposite ends of the member serve to form a non-continuous corner and are joined and secured together by means of an "L" shaped bracket which coacts with the material of one of the flanges of said F shaped member to rigidly secure the entire assembly. It will be shown pursuant to this invention that only one bracket need be used since each of the other three corners of the frame are integrally formed from said common extruded metallic member.

Abstract: A support runner for use in suspended ceiling grid systems is disclosed with the support runner being useful in ceiling systems having an exposed flange for decorative purposes. The support runner comprises: a lower decorative trim member; an upper inverted T-runner; and, an intermediate spline member. The decorative trim member has a decorative lower surface and an engageable upper surface. A spline member is engaged about the engageable upper surface of the decorative trim and extends substantially along the full length of the decorative trim. The upper surface of the spline is an engageable slot. An inverted T-runner is supportingly engaged to the engageable upper surface slot of the spline and extends along the spline a distance sufficiently less than the length of spline and trim members to accommodate heat expansion distortion of the inverted T-runner.

Abstract: A spherical storage tank holding gases or liquids which is supported on a rigid concrete foundation in a region of the vertical axis of the tank. There is interposed between tank and foundation a mounting rigidly bonded to both the tank and the foundation having generally elastomeric properties. The mounting consists essentially of a plurality of slabs covering the whole upper area of the foundation, in a spaced array leaving only narrow gaps between the individual slabs. The slabs are thin in relation to their size, and the gaps between the individual slabs are filled with a soft-plastic sealant. Moreover, the foundation consists of an upper part and a lower part, between said upper and said lower part being interposed adjustable resilient pads to allow an adjustment of the upper part in relation to the lower part to correct the position of the upper part if the lower part has been displaced due to ground shock waves, underground cavations or the like.

Abstract: Support grating for electrical equipment boxes having a format which is a multiple of basic elementary dimensions, constituted by a grid formed by cooperating frame members connected together two by two by distance pieces, wherein the frame members comprise periodic transversal cut-away parts constituted by slots or notches, an intermediate cut-away part and a lower port, the sides of the distance pieces comprise protuberances and bosses, for cooperation with the cut-away parts in a rigid assembly which is locked by the bosses in the cut-away parts.

Abstract: Voids in an artificial or natural structure are filled with a hardenable material in a liquid or semi-liquid state by surrounding the structure or a part of the structure containing the voids by a closely fitting, fluid-impermeable covering and sealing boundary edges of the covering to the structure to form a substantially fluid-tight enclosure. Air is evacuated from the voids within the fluid-tight enclosure and hardenable material in a liquid or semi-liquid state is allowed to enter into the evacuated voids until the hardenable material appears at the openings of the voids in the surface or surfaces of the structure. The hardenable material is then permitted or caused to set. The covering may be formed wholly or in part by at least one closely fitting, flexible, fluid-impermeable shroud, which is preferably transparent. At least part of the covering may comprise at least one closely fitting, fluid-impermeable coating.

Abstract: A self-supporting structural unit having a three-dimensional surface comprising: a first plurality of identical polygons, such as, for example, equilateral triangles, having predefined, fixed areas and equal sides of a predetermined constant length: and a second plurality of polygons, such as, for example, hexagons, having various areas but with equal sides of a predetermined constant length, the sides of the first plurality of polygons being equal in length to the sides of the second plurality of polygons and being secured thereto and in coextensive alignment therewith, the vertices of the first plurality of identical polygons and the second plurality of polygons lying substantially in the three-dimensional surface of the self-supporting structural unit.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed for resisting pressure, such as external and internal hydrostatic pressure loading. A plurality of flat polyhedral plates are sealed together along their edges to provide an undulated cylindrical shell. An inner cylinder (and end enclosures for transferring axial loading from the outer shell to the inner cylinder) provides axial restraint. A dome over the inner cylinder may form a part of the end structure of the shell. Inner beams, rods and stiffened plates may also be employed for additional radial restraint.

Abstract: An easily transportable tiered grandstand consisting of a collapsible fluid-tight casing erectable by filling with a fluid and/or solid substances, such as gas and/or water, the casing having a base portion adapted when the casing is erected, to rest on a substantially flat horizontal support surface such as the ground and having a top portion which in the erected position forms a plurality of tiers. Flexible elements are provided internally of the casing connecting the bottom and top portions of the casing and being under tension when the casing is erected. Seats and gangways may be mounted on the top portion.

Abstract: A panel locking device for assembling and interlocking two double wall panels along their adjoining edges structurally integrates the locking device within the two panels and retains the panels tightly locked together under tension under all conditions of subsequent thermal expansion and contraction.The locking device incorporates a locking pin which is driven through a lug and over a channel.Each panel has a perimeter frame. One edge of the perimeter frame of one panel forms a male channel, and the adjoining edge of the perimeter frame of the other panel forms a female channel.A lug is connected at one end to the web of the male channel. The outer end of the lug has a pin receiving and panel aligning hole extending through the lug.The web of the female channel is formed with a lug receiving slot extending through the web.

Abstract: A tree house kit includes a number of identical frames for attachment around a tree trunk. The array of frames supports floor panels and may also support wall and roof panels all made from templates provided in the kit to form a complete enclosure around the tree trunk. Each frame includes a self-leveling, telescoping floor panel supporting section which may be adjusted so that the array of frames can be installed on irregular tree trunks and trunks with different diameters, yet still maintain the floor in a level condition. Each frame may also include wall and roof panel supporting sections which mate with the floor supporting section and which also adapt themselves to irregularities in the tree trunk.

Abstract: A loadbearing construction element consisting of outer shells which define an air-tight cavity in which is supported insulating elements which form collectively an inner unit. Means are provided for evacuating the cavities of the inner unit and for subsequently pressurizing the components of the inner unit to form a composite core the components of which are fixedly connected to each other. Pressure against the components of the inner unit can be increased by adjustable screws extending through the outer shell into contact with a pressure plate forming part of the inner unit. In this manner, stresses in the element are created so that the outer shells and the components of the inner unit are reinforced and rendered resistant to bending.

Abstract: A method of construction for inexpensive and readily disassemblable structural units by the means of locating slots and tabs as engineered systems in sheet materials to produce forces of containment and opposition without permanent joining.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved method of constructing an underground reinforced concrete wall utilizing the slurry trench excavation method. According to the invention, at least a pair of spaced elongated primary excavations each adapted to receive a pair of H-beams rigidly joined together by steel lattice work; and a rebar cage. The channel or space in each H-beam at the outer channel between the flange and webs is filled with a polystyrene foam attached to the cage by steel plates and angles. These elements are lowered into the primary excavations and concrete is poured therein filling the spaces in the excavations and displacing any bentonite slurry from the trench to form primary wall elements. Thereafter, intermediate excavations are performed between the concreted sections and the H-beam portions thereof, the polystyrene foam being easily removed from the outer channel and the H-beam channel with the flanges thereof serving as guide elements for the excavating tool.