Abstract: A beam support joint for a column and a beam, which are each constructed from concrete and at least one metal section having a pair of flanges joined by a web and forming at least one recess of the metal section which is filled with concrete and the outer surfaces of the flanges of the metal section are not covered with concrete and are otherwise free. An upper support strap is mounted on an upper flange of the beam, and is attached to the column and the beam. The upper support strap and the webs of both the beam and the column all lie substantially in the same plane. On a flange of the column a lower support plate is advantageously welded which has a width corresponding approximately to the flange of the column. This lower support plate has at least one recess on its upper side which suitably engages at leat one projection provided on a lower flange of the beam.

Abstract: Insulation configurations for the ceiling, floor and walls of structures, which include in a first embodiment, at least one layer of particulate or "blown" insulation with a water vapor-permeable film or films isolating the layer or layers to limit air circulation and infiltration through the layers. In another embodiment, sheets of a moisture vapor-permeable film membrane are provided in association with insulating "batts" or rolled sheet, fibrous, non-solid insulation to divide the insulation into discrete layers and limit air infiltration through the layers. A method for increasing the efficiency of insulating material in structures, which includes providing one or more moisture or water vapor-permeable membrane films or membranes in association with the insulating material to isolate the insulation in discrete layers and limit air infiltration and circulation through the layers.

Abstract: An improved, variably sized display unit for displaying small merchandise in bays which are created against a wall or partition is disclosed. The wall is created from a series of sections to provide a variably sized display. Display dividers are used for creating the bays. The bays are formed by dividers constructed of pairs of angularly arranged vertical panels which are hingedly connected to one another and which are also secured to the wall at spaced intervals along the wall. A principal header extends along the upper periphery of the rear wall and functions to cover up and conceal mismatches between the rear wall sections and, optionally to support placards or other information bearing devices. The principal header is mounted adjustably at the wall to ensure that it can be mounted to be horizontally level regardless of the orientation of the wall itself.

Abstract: A portable step-forming device releasably attachable to a vertical wooden stud comprises a U-shaped gripping member for closely receiving a stud member, a step member attached to one prong of the U-shaped member and further having an enlarged end for retaining the user's foot on the step member, and a gripping means comprising a spring-loaded reciprocable member with a stud-engaging end for holding the step-forming device in position of the stud member.

Abstract: A modular block for engagement to a plurality of similar blocks arranged in a line to form a structural element, the modular blocks being engaged to each other by tension members extending through the blocks. The configuration of the structural element can be easily modified by substituting special blocks. The block has a generally hollow, T-shaped cross-section with an axial hole extending therethrough. The block further has three axial passages for receiving tension members, the passages arranged in a triangular pattern to withstand the high shear and torsional stresses encountered during erection and in service.

Abstract: A tower and a method of constructing a tower. The tower has three support members and an upper member. Each support member has an outside leg and two inside legs, laced together in a triangular cross section. The upper end of each inside leg is attached to the upper end of one of the other inside legs. The inside legs may also be connected at an intermediate point to form a window. An upper member, having three legs, laced together to form a triangular cross section, is erected on top of the support members, so that the legs of the upper member extend upward from the outside legs of the support members.

Abstract: A metal framing system for building structures wherein the members have continuously roll formed and fabricated "C"-shaped, "T"-shaped, and "I"-shaped cross sections and wherein the flanges at their distal edges excluding plate members, include a roll formed multi-purpose end and surface fastener recess extending the length of the member. These recesses are adapted to supportedly receive threaded fasteners for use in conjunction with both interconnection of pre-punched transverse plates at the ends of the members and also for attachment of wall covering against the flanges of the members. This recess and extended distal edge, while providing full functional flange width, also eliminates "Q" column flange loss while substantially stiffening the distal edge of the flange. "C" section studs and joists members may have two additional end fastener recesses added to the webs where a total of four fasteners are required per member for attachment to plates.

Abstract: A locking device for adjusting an angle or height of two parts of a seat comprises a housing, a rod slidable within the housing, a push rod with a spring to urge it forward, a spring cylinder, a cylindrical collet able to be compressed inwardly thereby engaging the spring cylinder with its cleaved portion, a cone fixed at the forward end of the push rod, moveable within the collet, a second spring biasing the cone, and drive means for driving the push rod along the housing. When the cone engages the collet by action of the second spring, the collet abuts the cylinder, thereby locking the rod and housing together. When the cone disengages from the collet, the collet is released from the spring cylinder by its own resilient force thereby releasing the rod from the housing.

Abstract: A portable shelter framework is formed by a series of end-interconnected modules, each defining a separate arch portion of the framework extending in different directions relative to each other. Each module is formed of elongate struts capable of being expanded into arched three dimensional form and collapsed into bundled form.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for environments where the presence of metals or traces of metals is inadmissible, consisting of a combination of a stretcher with a movable undercarriage, whereby both stretcher and undercarriage have been made virtually entirely in plastic, consisting of a thermoplastic material, the apparatus being absolutely free of metals.

Abstract: A truck having means for supporting a plurality of tape cartridge holders and used for transferring a plurality of tape cartridges is provided with rotatable means for supporting the tape cartridges holders so that the tape cartridges in the tape cartridge holders are readily accessible to the operator even in relatively narrow aisles.

Abstract: A mattress supplement comprised of resilient material is substantially covered with support projections except for at least one marginal edge thereof. The marginal edge is adapted to compressively receive a sheet fitted thereto. The compression of the marginal edge permits the sheet to be secured to a mattress on which the mattress supplement is placed, instead of being pushed off thereof by the support projections.

Abstract: An access flooring system includes a plurality of adjustable height pedestals which support a skeletal grid of stringers. The stringers, in turn, support a plurality of rectangular floor panels. Each pedestal includes a head for supporting not only stringers which are registered with perpendicular edges of floor panels, but, in addition, stringers which extend diagonally. The diagonal stringers provide increased load capacity for the system and resist medial deflections of the panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a folding child's bed comprising a respective upper and lower frame, each being about horizontal and foldable. The frames are connected via diagonal struts which are variable with respect to their length, said diagonal struts being substantially parallel to each other and shortened when the child's bed is folded up. When the child's bed is used, they are obliquely disposed from the center portion of the upper frame to the outer portion of the lower frame and completely extended. To make handling of such a child's bed easier and, in particular, to make telescoping of the diagonal struts possible without any jamming, the diagonal struts comprise upper and lower struts disposed respectively in spaced and parallel relationship with each other and comprising at the joints thereof sliding guides which are provided on the struts and in which the struts are displaceably supported with respect to each other and are securable against displacement in the extended state.

Abstract: A power beam converts a linear force into a torque. The beam is slideably positioned transverse to a structural member to be rotated and adjacent a hinged connection of the structural member to a frame. The beam is driven in a linear direction by a motive means such as a hydraulic cylinder, cable network or threaded shaft and actuation nut. A cable extends from its connection to the structural member at a set distance from the hinged connection, over the end of the slideable beam and then to a bias means, typically a spring. To rotate the structural member, the slideable beam is driven transverse to the structural member to impart a force along the cable the spring travels to its limit and thereafter a significant force is applied to the structural member to rotate the structural member.

Abstract: A post installation skylight assembly is presented in which a backup frame with an access opening is rested upon underlying secondary structural members prior to installation of a roof panel over and nesting with the backup frame, post removal of a medial position of the roof panel to expose the access opening, and positioning a translucent pane member over the opening frame to cover the access opening.

Abstract: A structure is proposed for metal constructions, in particular of the trestlework type, with at least an angle iron having equal legs, each one of which being extended at its free and with a first and a second extension length having a width substantially equal to half width of a leg, the first extension length being positioned at right angle relatively to the first extension length, the second extension length being positioned at right angle relatively to the first extension length, in such a direction as to depart from the other leg of the angle iron. The structure is moreover provided with jointing elements each constituted by a plate suitable to be fastened on to the angle iron at least in correspondence of the inner surface of one of its legs, and in correspondence of the inner surface of the second extension length of its second leg.

Abstract: A device is claimed for attaching a frame to an aperture in a wall of a building, comprising a U-shaped female member having a first part of said frame, said female member having a plurality of teeth on the inner side of one limb thereof; and a co-operating male member attachable to a second part of said frame, said male member having a plurality of co-acting teeth on a portion thereof; whereby said male member is insertable into said female member so as to be irreversibly locked in relation thereto when said female and male members are attached to said first and second parts of said frame respectively and said first and second parts fitted together in conventional manner.

Abstract: A pillow carried on a person's head to hold the head in a natural position. The pillow includes a back cushion held against the back of the head, and side cushions held against the sides of the head. The side cushions are hinged to the back cushion to hold the rear ends together, and straps are fixed to the front of the side cushions to hold the front ends together. A flap is fixed to the back cushion, and extends over the top of the head and is fixed to the straps to prevent downward movement of the pillow. The back cushion may have an extension shaped to support the cervical region of the backbone in its natural shape.

Abstract: A space frame unit comprises a square tray 10 with elongate members 12 extending from the corners of the tray 10 to be joined at an apex 14 where a plate 16 is fixed. The tray 10 is provided with apertures for bolts which secure adjacent trays 10 in a space frame assembly together.