Abstract: A wall system having a rigid frame with vertically spaced slots, tiles removably mounted to the frame and an equipment tile having a hollow protruded portion for storing equipment therein. The equipment tile is mounted to the frames through a retention clip and a hanger clip which mount to the vertical hanging intelligence on the wall frame. The retention clip is mounted to the tile through a slotted connection for limited vertical movement of the retention clip with respect to the tile so that the retention clip can be pulled downwardly with respect to the frame without movement of the tile with respect to the frame to seat the retention clip in the frame slots and to secure the tile on the frame. A locking flange on the retention clip is pivotably mounted to a hanger portion thereof for locking the retention clip onto the frame. The equipment tile is adapted to be mounted beneath a transaction surface which precludes upward movement of the tile with respect to the frame.

Abstract: In an openable roof apparatus for a space, a first and a second movable roof structures have their respective both ends which are supported respectively by a pair of stationary support structures for movement therealong. A pair of guide arrangements are arranged respectively on the pair of stationary support structures. The first and second movable roof structures are movable toward and away from each other along the guide arrangements. The first movable roof structure includes a plurality of movavble roof units having their respective axes which extend perpendicularly to the guide arrangements. The first and second movable roof structures are movable between a closed position where the movable roof units of the first movable roof structure cooperate with the second movable roof structure to close the space, and an open position where the movable roof units of the first movable roof structure are moved away from the second movable roof structure to open the space.

Abstract: A joint assembly forming part of a gridwork of channel sections used as decorative partitions in various types of wall construction, the joint assembly including abutting, mitered channel sections, adhesive tape backing, and adhesive glue for bonding the abutting channel sections together and, additionally, a method of assembling said joint assemblies using adhesive tape backing and adhesive glue for bonding the sections together.

Abstract: A continuous barrier is formed by channeled cap members which each receive therein a respective truss. Structure that is integral with flange elements of the cap and integral with the ends of hangers that span the cap flanges effect means to removably lock and substantially stabilize the assembly of caps and hangers, which assembly provides a generally planar support surface for fire rated gypsum board and the like.

Abstract: A self-supporting pressurized or unpressurized membrane structure for lunar habitation and operation. The pressurized membrane is made up of continuous and leak-proof fabric membrane that encapsulates the entire structure and is capable of withstanding temperatures of about -190.degree. C. to about +140.degree. C. this structure has a skin preferably made up of two-spaced apart fibrous skins with a latticed web between them and foam material filling the space between the skins. Lunar soil supports the lower portions of the spherical, spheroidal, by means of a compression ring beam, or arched structure, and a lunar soil cover of up to ten feet covers the structure. The unpressurized membrane structure has a double-skin membrane arch or dome that derives its structural strength from structural foam injected into the double-skin wall of the roof.

Abstract: A reinforced structural panel having an integral, rigid core member of insulating material provided with a plurality of embedded serpentine or zig-zag shaped reinforcing rods is disclosed for fabricating walls of buildings and the like. The core member is provided with a plurality of slits on either major surface arranged in a matrix of rows and columns. The reinforcing rods are inserted into the core member along alternate rows from opposite surfaces of the core member. A wire mesh grid is positioned overlying the major surfaces and attached to the projecting portions of the reinforcing rods. A series of the resulting structural panels can be interconnected into a wall at the job site and thereafter covered with a layer of cementitious material.

Abstract: A device and a method for protecting a structure, especially a wire or cable-like structure, against roosting of birds. The device comprises an array of flexible, plastic fingers extending away from the wire or cable-like structure in a predetermined pattern. Each of the flexible, plastic fingers is flexible enough such that when a bird attempts to land thereon, the finger will flex relative to the wire or cable-like structure, thereby deterring the bird from landing on the wire or cable-like structure. The flexing capability of the fingers is designed to frustrate a bird from landing thereon, and the structure of the fingers is designed to minimize the risk of injury to the bird.

Abstract: A smooth, flat plastic film sheet forms a ceiling covering. The dimensions of the room are measured. The dimensions are proportionately reduced. A plastic sheet film is prepared to the reduced dimensions. A plastic edge connector is ultrasonically welded to the entire periphery. A connector strip is fastened to the upper wall entirely around the room. Hot air is blown to the top of the room. The edge connector at the edge of the film is snapped into the connector strip, starting at the corners. The film and edge connector are of a plastic that stretches when hot. The edge connector, when completely fitted into the connector strip pulls the film taut as the film shrinks when cooled to room temperature to provide a perfectly fitted, wrinkle free covering. The same invention may be used to cover a wall. The special edge connector is provided with a snap latching feature to provide audible indication of correct locking in place and the edge connector has a provision for easy unlatching for removing the covering.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard suspension system in which the wallboard has a tear-resistant material partially adhered to the back face, with small slots in the material located at unadhered areas, through which small suspension clips are inserted. The clips include a hanger leg for hanging the clip on horizontal channels, which are part of the wall framing system.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard suspension system in which the wallboard has a tear-resistant material partially adhered to the back face, with small slots in the material located at unadhered areas, through which small suspension clips are inserted. The clips include a hanger leg for hanging the clip on horizontal channels, which are part of the wall framing system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel panel for ceiling assemblies, wall assemblies or the like. The panel comprises a self-supporting core of a soft filling material and reinforcement elements, preferably plastic strips, for defining the shape of the panel after a film is applied surrounding said core and reinforcement elements. Moreover the present invention relates to a novel method of fabricating such a panel.

Abstract: A unique one-piece molded insulating and drainage panel for use for basement subterannean walls is disclosed. The panel is molded from expanded polystyrene having very low water permeability. When installed, the panel has two sides having vertically oriented grooves on both sides. The grooves abutting the foundation wall are typically rectangular whereas the vertical channels on the outside wall are specifically designed to be self-clearing to avoid blockage by backfill. Typically a bell-bottom shaped narrow opening and a wider inner channel is used.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an improved transparent panel assembly for fabricating wall and roofing components. The method includes the extrusion of a top and bottom member made of transparent plastic material. Each extruded member includes a top and bottom sheet with interspersed ribs for structural integrity. Each extruded member is supported in spaced relationship by a plurality of beam structures having longitudinal axes substantially normal with the direction of the internal ribs of the extruded panel members. The structure resulting from the improved method includes top and bottom panel members having internal ribs molded in an integral manner, and an elongated support structure mounted between the panel members in a direction substantially normal with the longitudinal axis of the internal ribs.

Abstract: Composite structural timber which is reinforced with deformed metal bars. The timber comprises a plurality of wooden laminations bonded together by a resin adhesive. There are at least two longitudinally extending metal bars. One bar is located near one longitudinal edge of the timber and the other is located near the other longitudinal edge. The composite structure provides superior load carrying capacity and reduction in deflection under a given load. The main use is as structural timber beams and posts.

Abstract: Structural members for building structures comprise indented, truncated, V-shaped profiles which include flanges extending horizontally from the open tops thereof. Structural beam members comprise open-ended, elongated members, while structural column members are fabricated by joining counterpart surfaces of two of such profiles together at right angles. The structural members are nested together for transportation to building sites, where they are bolted together and floors formed by fastening corrugated panels to the beam flanges. Concrete is thereafter poured into the open profiles, and onto the deck panels to provide a floored framework for a building structure.

Abstract: A sheet-like member including a plurality of rows of patterned shingle construction defined by shingle face members separated by associated grooves defined within a forward surface of the sheet, with a rear surface of the sheet including spaced parallel adhesive strips. A modification of the invention includes engagement ribs directed between the adhesive strips to enhance positioning and gripping of a roof surface during securement of the organization thereon.

Abstract: A ceiling panel system for suspending a new and improverd ceiling panel from an assembly of inverted T-beam support members. The support members are suspended in a horizontal plane to form a desired grid pattern for supporting a plurality of ceiling panels to form a continuous ceiling. The T-beam support members comprise a vertical center leg having a pair of opposite horizontal arms, and a pair of opposite ribs projecting from the vertical center leg. The ceiling panel include a main body portion and integral resilient side walls. The side walls extend at an angle from body portion, and are adapted for captured engagement between the horizontal arms and ribs of the T-beam support members to resist removal of the panel from the support members. Each of the side walls includes a top edge spaced from said body portion having one or more slits extending transversely from the top edge toward the main body portion, to prevent the removal of the panel from captured engagement in the support members.

Abstract: An underground shock-resistant structure comprises a vaulted roof having a ring configuration as viewed from above and a ring-shaped base member, such as a flat floor, joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof. The external surface of the vaulted roof has a continuous convex configuration with a slowly varying radius of curvature and no change of signal such that over pressures and shockwaves striking the external surface of the vaulted roof apply compressive pressures to the vaulted roof and are deflected by the surface. Optionally, there may be one or more basement levels below the flat floor which are enclosed by inner and outer walls having a ring configuration which are joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof. In another option the flat floor may be replaced by an arch with its concavity facing upwards joined to the inner and outer edges of the vaulted roof.

Abstract: An earthquake restraint mechanism helps to prevent the collapse of tilt-up style exterior wall panels (7, 64) of a building (17). The panels are coupled to one another at their abutting joints (16) through L-shaped brackets (18, 20, 68) mounted to the wall panels and restrainers (32, 66, 106) connecting the outwardly extending legs (28, 30, 90) of the brackets. The panels are energetically coupled to one another because the brackets act as shock absorbers which absorb the initial shock on the all panels from an earthquake. Because the panels are tied together, the panels are restrained from collapsing thus helping to protect persons and property. An accumulative effect of energy absorption is evident with the redundant use of the restraint mechanism. The panels can also be connected to other structural members, such as joists or beams, as well.

Abstract: A loading dock shelter seal to the space between the sides of a truck and the door opening. The dock seal includes a pair of elongated flexible tapered foam members that protrude into the opening and contact with the rear of the truck. As the truck backs into the loading dock, the foam members deflect inward without deformation. This seals the sides because the foam members are vertically mounted on the sides of the door opening from the loading dock surface to a header curtain. The foam members are covered with a protecting fabric and have a retention strap system to prevent the fabric from billowing as the foam members deflect.