Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinforced panel that includes a face sheet having an interior side and an exterior side, a plurality of integral and intersecting ribs having distal ends and projecting from the interior side of the face sheet to form contiguous cells, and a reinforcing member positioned in a channel and secured thereto for increasing bending resistance of the panel.

Abstract: This application discloses an anchor sheet and method of installation comprising a laminate with an upper layer of relatively thin, flexible rigid sheet material having on its upper layer a plurality of hooks and a bottom layer of a relatively resilient cushioning material attached to the upper layer, the laminate having sufficient rigidity, thickness, and mass that when combined with an overlying decorative covering, it is stable against buckling. The bottom layer is dimensioned such that there is an overlap area of lower layer along two adjacent edges of the lower layer for detachable attachment of an overlapping portion.

Abstract: A modular temporary barrier system includes a plurality of panel members having adjoining edges. Each panel member comprises a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Connecting structure associated with the panels is constructed and arranged to removably connect adjoining edges of adjacent panel members to one another, such that connected panel members together form a wall. In preferred embodiments of the invention, each panel member and two one-piece corner members each comprise a foam core and exterior sheathing disposed thereon. Each corner member can be removably connected to a respective end of the wall. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, the modular barrier system can further include two side panel members, each side panel member being able to connect to a respective end of the wall such that the wall is self-supporting.

Abstract: The proposed system comprises an auditorium, lighting facilities and a stage appearing as a container. The interior space of the container holds a liquid medium adapted for playing a theatrical performance therein, and a side transparent wall of the container serves as a stage mirror. Visual perception of each spectator is directed deep in the liquid medium through the stage mirror. The proposed stage comprises a container wherein the liquid medium is held. At least one side wall is transparent. The proposed method consists in that the stage appears as a container wherein a liquid medium is held suitable for human vital functions; at least one container wall is optically transparent, the surface of the liquid medium is isolated from the audience perception which is directed through the optically transparent wall deep in the container, and a theatrical performance is played in the liquid medium by at least one player.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacer profile of an elastically-plastically deformable material with low heat conductivity for a spacer frame to be mounted in the marginal area of at least two spaced-apart panes by forming an intermediate pane space, whereby the spacer profile comprises a chamber which has in one of its walls at least one elastically-plastically deformable reinforcement element extending along the chamber, and whereby the spacer profile has a diffusion-proof layer extending substantially over its entire width and length. In order to produce the profile through cold flexion, the lateral walls of the chamber are each provided with at least one reinforcement element.

Abstract: A building includes a rigid dwelling-house enclosing an inner space, a swimming-pool, and a device for moving the dwelling-house relative to the swimming-pool between a first position in which the dwelling-house is positioned on top of the swimming-pool which is thereby incorporated within the inner space of the dwelling-house, and a second position in which the dwelling house is adjacent the swimming-pool. The swimming-pool is usable as an outdoor swimming-pool or a covered swimming-pool, each of the dwelling-house and the swimming-pool retaining a separate functionality and being usable separately and simultaneously.

Abstract: An efficient structural composite suitable for a cantilever applications in nonomnidirectional uses, such as that of highway guardrail posts, assembled from recycled plastic or rubber material as compressive elements with embedded formed sheet steel as tensile elements and shear transfer by encapsulation of said tensile elements in said compressive elements. Structural integrity and/or specific maximum service loads can be achieved through design sizing of shear-transfer elements allowing for intended catastrophic structural failure, which is useful in highway guardrail system design.

Abstract: An open-lattice, foldable, self-deployable structure with a number of spaced, bendable longitudinal members forming cells each bounded by a portion of two spaced longitudinal members and two spaced diagonal members. The diagonal members are joined to the longitudinal members at the cell boundary intersections of the diagonal members and the longitudinal members. The longitudinal members are made of a material which bends by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point and the diagonal members are made of a material which both bends and twists by a predetermined amount below the material's yield point so that the structure can be collapsed and then self resurrected.

Abstract: A steel framed building which includes prefabricated steel frames, unique pier posts, POLYSTYRENE panels, and an assembly method which in combination provides an expedited overall time frame of 21 days from start to finish.

Abstract: A protective cover assembly used to cover and protect windows, doors or other wall openings for homes, office buildings, hotels, and other walled structures from the destructive forces of a high windstorm, such as a hurricane. The current form of the preferred embodiment consists of a high strength fabric covering an opening, such as a window and being supported by brackets, a rod and a bar. Once installed, the high strength fabric is stretched over the opening, through the use of a gears and ratchet assembly. The high strength fabric once stretched will provide protection from high winds and wind borne debris common in storms such as hurricanes. The protective cover assembly also prevents unlawful entries or break-ins of buildings. The high strength fabric is securely supported to the rod and steel bar that are firmly attached to the wall structure near the wall opening.

Abstract: A window frame incorporating a sliding sash, the frame providing increased water resistance by incorporating an integral J-rail return, the return portion of which has a double wall to provide a depending trough at the bottom of the frame with a wall forming a chamber including the trough, opening from the bottom of the frame into the chamber and from the bottom of the trough to the exterior to provide increased dam height against water backing up and spilling over the interior sill of the frame.

Abstract: A New Useful Improvement. An encapsulation method for producing high quality low cost housing panels, which uses commercially fabricated pre-assembled light gage steel framed structures, with superior insulation material. The encapsulation process uses a Clamshell Jig Fixture designed specifically for this process. The pre-assembled steel housing frames are placed in the Jig Fixture and sealed. Thereafter the insulation material is injected into the steel framework via openings in the jig fixture. The insulation material is a high density Class 1 Isofoam Polyisocyanate, known as Polyurethane. It is free of Formaldehyde and CFC's or HCFCS. Its insulation “R” factor is 7.69 per inch of thickness. Finished panels result in “R” factors to 40.37, with vertical, horrizontal, wind and seismic strengths greater than building code requirements for housing. Panel attaching methods are simpler and stronger using smaller, short, light 16 to 12 gage studs, bolts, nuts and anchor plates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the removal of formwork for the end joint of a diaphragm wall panel, said formwork comprising a soleplate having two side edges. The device comprising: two substantially rectangular plates of substantially the same dimensions; spacer means secured to first longitudinal edges of each of said plates to hold them substantially parallel to each other at a spacing h; filler means for filling the volume defined by said plates, the spacer means, and a plane orthogonal to said plates located at a distance d from the second longitudinal edges of the plates; and temporary fixing means for fixing said plates to said soleplate.

Abstract: A seismic isolation system with a plurality of ball-and-socket joints attaching a base structure to a plurality of foundation pads or piers. A plurality of pads or piers 3, 13 form a foundation structure. A seismic isolation bearing 20 attaches a pad to the floor 1 of a building or other structure. The seismic isolation bearing includes a joint 22 attached to an elastic element 12. The seismic isolation bearing allows tilting of the pad in relation to the base structure in response to vertical movement of a foundation pad. Additionally, rotation of the joint works in conjunction with the elastic element to reduce the shear deformation in the elastic element in response to transverse movement of the foundation pad.

Abstract: Panels for coffered ceilings comprising cladding panels of sheet metal or similar material and a method for mounting such panels. Each cladding panel comprises an essentially flat principal surface enclosed by longitudinally running joining sections as well as at least one longitudinally running stiffening section bent at an angle to the principal surface. The joining sections are designed so that any chosen panel can be removed simply and without the use of tools, so that a good seal is obtained between the panels, and so that it is possible to draw apart these to fit certain dimensions. In addition, the panels should hook into each other and remain sealed even if they should expand and buckle downwards due to fire or some other reason.

Abstract: A surface cladding system is disclosed in which corrugated plastic sheeting is utilized as wall cladding. In a preferred system, battens made of the same corrugated plastic sheeting are secured to the frame members of a wall. The battens are provided with a double side adhesive tape to which the corrugated plastic sheeting is attached. The joints between adjacent panels fall over frame members so that the edges of the adjacent sheets are sealed against water penetration by the double sided tape. The system can preferably be used in agricultural or industrial locations in which walls are frequently subjected to pressure spraying with water or other liquids. The wall system may also be used in recreational and domestic environments such as swimming pools or public washrooms, and also to line the cargo bays of cargo vehicles.

Abstract: A reinforcing member for a structural component such as a rail or channel of a vehicle is provided which includes a carrier and a thermally expansible structural reinforcing material element which is fastened to the carrier by mechanical fixation or an adhesive. The mechanical fixation may be provided by a flange or other mechanical connection on the carrier or by a fastener such as a push pin extending through aligned holes and openings in the carrier and foamable material. The push pins are preferably of a synthetic resin material which more closely approximates the heat conductivity of the foamable material when the latter is activated by heat, and is sufficiently yieldable to absorb impacts to the foamable material during installation.

Abstract: An open spaced apart patio sun umbrella which, when the top thereof is raised, undergoes a reshaping into an inverted v-shape closed condition and makes, to the extent it is raised, the location of an unlatching mechanism within convenient reach of a user making unobserved unlatching contact therewith through the bottom opening of the v-shape, even though the unlatching mechanism is masked from view.

Abstract: A temporary joist hanger for use in the construction of a deck extending outwardly from the side of a building comprising a generally flat, horizontally disposed upper end portion having a generally flat, vertically disposed base portion extending downwardly from the outer end thereof. A generally flat side wall portion extends transversely from one of the side edges of the base portion. A joist support extends from the side wall portion for temporarily supporting one end of a joist therein. The joist support is selectively vertically adjustably mounted on the side wall portion to accommodate joists of different widths. The method of constructing a deck utilizing the temporary joist hanger is also described.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a stand-alone adjustable trim strip system that can be used for the attachment of lighting and signs. The trim strip system is designed to conceal hardware used for attaching lighting and signs and also provides for a system that can be adapted to accommodate architectural design. The system has the capability of being suspended from the structure of a building by wires or rods or can be affixed to walls or ceilings by using fasteners. The system is comprised of one or more trim strips and brackets that can be shaped into different polymeric shapes or can be arranged in a grid format. The system has the ability to attach electric lighting and signs while providing for an aesthetically pleasing structure.