Abstract: A safety monitoring device is provided for the use in an active seismic response and wind control system for exerting a control force, which restrains the vibration of a structure due to disturbances such as earthquake and wind, from an actuator in response to the above vibration. The safety monitoring device measures the work done of a seismic response control force and judges the work done of the seismic response control force to be positive or negative, so that whether or not the seismic response control is properly carried out by the actuator is judged. If any abnormality is found, a stop signal or the like is generated to stop the seismic response and wind control system, whereby the safety of the structure is ensured.

Abstract: A pillar for a vehicle door. A lightweight pillar having reduced rigidity is prestressed into a curved shape by an internal bolt or cable or the like to increase the strength thereof. This results in a lightweight pillar whose curvature is adjustable.

Abstract: A method for repairing damaged post-tensioned or pre-tensioned concrete structures by removing steel tendons and forming new concrete post-tensioned beams in their place. The method includes the steps of removing concrete above the tendon to be replaced while leaving concrete under the tendon, releasing any remaining tension in the tendon and removing same, preparing the concrete surface for a pour of new concrete, installing rebars perpendicular to the tendon, installing new tendon and anchorages, pouring concrete and post-tensioning the new tendon in the new beam formed.

Abstract: A skylight that may have a domed-type or flat-type glazing and which is adapted to fit within the opening of a roof or the like. The skylight includes a peripheral curb frame that may include a base frame and an operating leaf frame. A retainer is used for securing the skylight cover over the curb frame. The curb frame is preferably constructed of a rigid plastic material having high temperature resistant properties. A glazing cushioning member is disposed between the retainer and the curb frame for providing positioning and cushioning regarding the edge of the glazing. The glazing cushioning member also receives a securing bolt and is dimensioned to control the tightening of the retainer against the glazing. A sealing gasket is provided integral with the frame and, in one embodiment, seals between frame sections, and in another embodiment, seals with the skylight glazing.

Abstract: A light wood truss connection in which a hip truss and a jack truss are joined to a wood supporting girder by means of a sheet metal connector which includes first second and third side wall members and first and second back wall members. A single seat supports the hip truss while the jack truss is supported by fasteners only inserted through the third side wall member. Support for the jack truss is also by fasteners in double shear.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fabrication of panels, trays and other assemblies from fibreboard or other sheet material by folding-back edge portions of the sheet to provide marginal portions of increased thickness and substantially uniform width of which the inner edges define retaining abutments, each marginal portion being located in a channel of respective channel-shaped edging strips each having a lip or rib which engages over and with the retaining abutment of the marginal portion to resist separation of the strip from the edge of the sheet in the direction perpendicular to said edge. The edging strips are assembled to an edge by forcing the channel over the marginal portion. Adjacent edging strips engage to resist sliding movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for making partitions in fixed or openable by means of drawing aside, pushing or pulling, window or door frames, bearing glass panels. The method is implemented by means of a series of standardized profiles made form aluminium, plastic or other desired material. As illustrated in FIG. 14, which is proposed for publication, the method is in particular implemented by means of a first profile designed so as to receive a glass panel and a second profile fitted onto the first to form horizontal and vertical partitions, as well as a third and fourth standardized profiles used in the circumference of the window or door frame.

Abstract: Prefabricated formwork elements for the construction of external walls of buildings comprise at least one pair of panels (1, 2) of heat-insulating material which are intended to be maintained in parallel relation in order to delimit between them a space (3) which is intended to be filled with concrete, each panel (1, 2) being reinforced by horizontal stiffeners (4) and shores (5) being provided for maintaining the two panels in a vertical position and in spaced relation. The shores (5) are removably attached to the horizontal stiffeners (4) of one (2) of the panels, the panels being maintained in spaced relation by connecting the stiffeners (4) of one of the panels to the stiffeners of the other panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining building panels, such as portable partitions, walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs. A cam device is located in one panel or member and is magnetically operated to engage a mating element located in an adjacent panel or member.

Abstract: A polymer building or other structured wall form construction wherein forms prefabricated of polymer, such as polystyrene, are assembled together, spaced apart by integrally connecting polymer or blocks, spacers, or spool means, erected upon a foundation footing, or other base structure, through their insertion of L-shaped ties, with the wall forms being erected to the height desired for the subject building or other structure, whether it be a commercial, industrial, or residential building, through the application of tee-shaped ties therebetween, Reinforcement is located in the spacing between the blocks or spacers, of the wall forms, and concrete may be poured therein, either at the job site, where the building is being constructed, or at the manufacturing plant, where the wall forms are formed, in order to provide a latticework of reinforced concrete for the composite wall.

Abstract: An assembly for forming removable, non-load bearing walls, such as partitions for offices, fairs, exhibitions, etc., consists of a plurality of generally modular panels slidably disposed between upper and lower support rails. The panels include a substantially flat central section and projecting surfaces on the longitudinal sides thereof. In assembled condition, the projecting surfaces on adjacent panels engage one another to form a continuous wall assembly.

Abstract: Improved unitary panel modules are used in constructing a partition. The panel modules are assembled and then shipped to a location where they are to be installed. Each unitary panel module includes an adjustable base assembly and a resiliently compressible head assembly. When a partition is being constructed, a second unitary panel module is connected with the first panel module by an improved connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a connector member having hooks which engage a vertical support member on one of the panel modules and slots which are engaged by hooks on another panel module.

Abstract: A greenhouse for providing improved growth and environmental control for growing plants comprising a frame defining a structure having a given length and width forming a bounded, interior region for receiving plants; a flexible cover positionable over the frame for providing a roof enclosure for the structure; an elongate roller substantially extending along the length of the structure secured to a lengthwise edge of the cover; and a power source coupled to the roller for travel therewith operable for rotatably driving the roller about its longitudinal axis to retract or extend the cover relative to the frame.

Abstract: A window comprising: at least a pair of left and right connection attachments for mounting a window frame thereof which are fixedly secured to two mutually adjacent portions of an external wall of a building; at least a pair of left and right pivotable members whose inner ends are pivotally mounted on the connection attachments, respectively, such that they may be swung freely about their respective pivotal axes, and whose outer ends are integrally formed in their respective engaging pieces; at least a pair of left and right engaging members each having an engaging recess formed therein and which opens so as to be detachably engaged with each of the engaging pieces of the pivotable members; and a panel adhesively bonded along at least inner left and right vertical margins thereof onto the outer surfaces of the engaging members, respectively. The window is arranged such that upon mounting the panel, each of the engaging pieces is fitted sufficiently in each of the engaging recesses.

Abstract: An eavestrough fitting according to the present invention comprises a body portion of a shape generally corresponding to the eavestrough to be axially received therein, with a fitting on the interior surface including an abutment member positioned to limit the extent to which an eavestrough is axially inserted within the fitting. Retaining tabs extend above and project outwardly from the abutment member and define a slot like opening between the retaining tabs and interior surface of the fitting into which an end portion of the eavestrough is inserted and retained. A sealing arrangement is moulded to the fitting on the interior surface of the fitting in front of the retaining tabs and forms an effective seal between the lower surface of the eavestrough and the eavestrough fitting. This fitting allows for an effective method of joining lengths of eavestrough, whether they be symmetrical or nonsymmetrical, and positively retain the eavestrough within the fitting.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building structure with a two part roof including a first generally horizontal top fixed roof part and a second roof part extending downwardly outwardly from the first roof part and formed by sliding panels for retractability of the second roof part. The first and second roof parts are separated by a first roof support which is under compression with a second roof support which is under tension being provided below the second roof part.

Abstract: A device suitable for fastening a roofing membrane to a roofing surface comprises a pair of stress reliever plates, preferably coupled along one edge. Membrane engagement members, such as spikes, extend A device suitable for fastening a roofing membrane to a roofing surface comprises a pair of stress reliever plates, preferably coupled along one edge. Membrane engagement members, such as spikes, extend from the inner surface of one plate toward the other plate and are received in holes provided in the other plate. In the preferred embodiment, the two plates are coupled to one another by coupling or hinge systems, and a method for using the device is disclosed which comprises placing the fastener at the edge of the membrane material. Use of the dual plate stress reliever in combination with the membrane engaging the spikes provides a system with high resistance to lateral pullout and a system which is easy to install. Wrinkling of the membrane during fastener installation is also minimized.

Abstract: A concrete slab, and a building construction system employing the concrete slab, in which the slab is formed in a casting or extrusion process to include a plurality of longitudinally extending core passages, and a groove extending transversely across one end face thereof. A plurality of invention slabs are stacked side by side to form a continuous wall structure, a plurality of conventional cored floor slabs are arranged with their one ends supported on the upper ends of the invention wall slabs, and concrete slurry is poured into the interface between the wall slabs and the floor slabs to fill at least some of the vertical core passages in the wall slabs and at least portions of the horizontal core passages in the floor slabs to form a continuous reinforcing concrete frame within the wall and floor.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling for clean room installations is disclosed. The ceiling has a suspended ceiling support structure having a plurality of grid openings including a vertical member between each grid opening and flanges extending horizontally from each vertical member so as to form a horizontal surface around a periphery of each grid opening for peripherally supporting a ceiling insert therein. At least one ceiling panel is positioned in a grid opening and peripherally supported by the flanges. An edge cap sealingly engages the ceiling panel edge surface for inhibiting particle emission therefrom. The edge cap comprises an elongated rigid or semi rigid strip of generally U-shaped cross-section having first and second horizontal portions respectively compressively engaging the periphery of the back and front ceiling panel horizontal surfaces and a vertical portion joining the first and second horizontal strip portions adjacent the ceiling panel edge surface.

Abstract: A method of inserting a rivet having at least a body portion and a mandrel having means for cutting and peeling back the rivet into portions which curl back on the rivet body into a solid substance. The rivet and mandrel are inserted into the solid substance without completely piercing through the solid substance. The rivet is then cut and peeled back into portions which curl back on the rivet body within the solid substance. The invention is also directed to a product comprising a solid substance, and a material fastened to the solid substance by at least one rivet which extends through the at least one material and into the substance without completely piercing through the substance. The at least one rivet has been cut back into portions which curl back on the rivet body, thereby attaching the material to the solid substance.