Abstract: A lightweight support structure for electromagnetic and light reflectors including at least two rigid compression rings of any diametrical ratio held vertically spaced and parallel by a plurality of rigid vertically extending peripheral columns and two or more flexible cable sets vertically spaced and parallel with the compression rings. Nodes or junctures on the cable sets are adapted to remain fixed in space with respect to the compression rings by a series of tangential and radial cables and thus support rigid vertical internal columns which in turn support the reflector. The internal rigid columns may progressively increase in height from a central hub to the outermost periphery of the compression rings for supporting a reflector dish of parabolic configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an access door assembly (10) comprised of a frame assembly (12) held in place by a plurality of hoop-shaped rods (14). A door (16) is hinged to frame assembly (12) using a pair of first hinge brackets (18) secured to frame assembly (12), a pair of second hinge brackets (20) secured to door (16) near its vertical centerline, and a connecting rod (22) acting as the hinge pin between the first and second hinge brackets (18, 20). A latch mechanism (24) engages a mid-step member (26) to secure door (16) tightly against a door frame structure (28). In doing so, flexible door (16) bends to conform generally to the curvature of cylindrical silo wall (30).Upper and lower step members (56, 58) are a part of frame assembly (12) and mid-step member (26) is supported by frame assembly (12). Hence the step members acting as ladder rungs are not supported by door (16), but rather by its frame.

Abstract: A roof truss incorporates both metallic and non-metallic webs, in special locations to optimize truss performance.

Abstract: A system of constructing a building using prefabricated wall and roof panels, each of the panels comprising interior and exterior corrugated metal sheets disposed on opposite major faces of a foamed core. The panels are assembled together in edge-to-edge relationship with complementary mating edges for securing adjacent panels. The joints between adjacent panels and between panels and support members are secured by self-drilling threaded fasteners. Metal strips are embedded in the panels to provide anchors for the threaded fasteners. A specially adapted insulating member is disposed along one edge of each panel to provide mechanical support without sacrificing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: Prefabricated building units for constructing a small building such as a caravan annexe include a mounting rail which may be supported at roof height, for example on a caravan side, and a number of rectangular roofing panels, each having across its head an attachment piece releasably engageable pivotally with the mounting rail when the roofing panel is at an angle to horizontal greater than the pitch of the roof to be installed, sealing means being brought into effect when the roofing panel is raised pivotally to the required pitch. The units include rectangular wall panels each with an attachment piece across its head engageable, as set out, with a mounting rail across the foot of each roofing panel. Opposite sides of each roofing panel and wall panel have respectively, a weather capping, and a weather flange engageable in the weather capping of an adjacent like panel.

Abstract: A structure such as a building has floors formed from horizontal slab beams and walls formed from vertical slab beams. Only the ends of the beams of the slab beams are connected to each other and to supporting elements.

Abstract: A connector assembly comprising at least a pair of first members for connecting two panels edge to edge and to a building frame with a joint opening between such adjacent panel edges and a second member for covering the joint opening. Each of the first members includes a base having a first portion adapted to be held in a groove extending along the edge of a respective one of the panels and a second portion adapted to be secured to the buildingframe. Each first member further includes a retainer means formed on the second base portion integrally therewith and adapted to be disposed adjacent to one face of the joint opening that is to be covered. The second member has at least one leg extending into the retainer means and engageable therewith.

Abstract: A removable guttering assembly is disclosed for use in man-holes or air shafts to improve working conditions and to reduce the risk of water damage to equipment located in these holes or shafts. The guttering assembly consists of hooks or rails mounted around the lower end of the hole or shaft and a removable gutter, having substantially the same size as the perimeter of the lower end of the hole or shaft, which is quickly and easily attached to the hooks or rails. When fixed in position, the gutter collects water which enters the hole or shaft and directs it into a drain pipe preventing it from contacting men or equipment located in the hole or shaft.

Abstract: A panel for use in a sectional door. The panel which is easy to construct and has improved insulating properties, has an elongated insulating core, a first metallic skin on one face of the core and a second metallic skin on the other face of the core. The first and second metallic skins both have crimped edges that are joined together at the sides of the panel with an insulating member interposed between them. The insulating members on the long sides of the panel may include diverging seal arms projecting outwards for providing a seal between adjacent panels. The invention is also directed toward a sectional door incorporating the panels.

Abstract: An anchor-clamp is disclosed for clamping to a prestressing member (50) intermediate its length and over a support (68). The clamp (FIG. 1), after initial assembly, is packed in polystyrene blocks (62, 64) for shipment. At the site of use, the anchor-clamp, still in its foam package, is assembled to the prestressing member (50) and then the concrete is poured and allowed to set. After hardening of the concrete, the prestressed member (50) is stressed in the conventional way, the polystyrene package is removed from about the anchor-clamp and the clamp is operated to clamp the stressed prestressing member (50). Thereafter, the entire clamp is imbedded in concrete. When only one intermediate anchor-clamp is used, it may be clamped to the prestressing member (50) prior to the stressing of the same.

Abstract: A device for use with guttering, troughs and downspouts which collects water and blocking debris, including a channel open at one end including a chute portion and a pair of side walls capable of being attached to a trough so that the chute portion is aligned with the bottom of the trough and the chute portion slopes downward and away from the trough at its attachment to the trough and the pair of side walls are connected to the front wall of the trough so as to allow water to flow from the trough to the channel, and an outlet located in the chute portion of the channel capable of conducting water from the channel to a downspout, the outlet being displaced between the trough side of the channel and the open end of the channel, wherein the channel and the outlet when used in guttering between a trough and a downspout allow water to be collected by a trough, flow to the channel, flow down the chute, flow into the outlet and then flow through a downspout, while also allowing blocking debris to pass through the c

Abstract: A construction for wooden stairs that permits standardized, factory machined components to be pre-packaged and shipped to the job site where they can be installed to fit almost any installation. The structure includes stringers which have riser and tread receiving grooves on both sides. The grooves on each side of the stringer provide for a different rise and run rate. The construction technique and the resulting stairs substantially reduces the job-site layout and assembly time from that required with conventional stairs. It also reduces the number of components that must be produced and stocked. The technique is especially applicable when employed with wooden stairs of the interlocking type that generally need no fasteners, adhesives or wedges.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for supporting structures employing a free-standing column of angular cross-section having flanges of substantially equal length and an included angle between the flanges of between about 80.degree. and 45.degree.. A specific embodiment employs the column in combination in a telescoping grandstand structure.

Abstract: A weather door suitable for commercial garages and warehouses made from sheets of flexible plastic having a length at least twice the height of the doorway to be covered and in which the sheet of plastic is slit in such a way so that when it is folded in the middle, a series of strips of the plastic can be interleaved to present a weather barrier when hung across a door opening that will part around a vehicle or other object or a person entering or leaving the doorway.

Abstract: An elongate formed and punched sheet metal cornerbead, for use on outside corners, adapted to be easily cut into individual wallboard corner clips, for use on inside corners.

Abstract: Heretofore, commercial adobe construction has involved bricks or blocks of adobe (a sand and clay mixture prevalent in Western United States). In accordance with this invention, foundation footings of concrete are poured with the lower edges of wire mesh reinforcing material embedded or in otherwise attached to the horizontal foundation beams, one adjacent to each face of the adobe wall to be constructed. Since the adobe walls do not accommodate vertical bearing loads, holes are dug in the earth at spaced intervals to receive reinforcing bar cages and the lower ends of posts which carry the roof load. After the foundation has set, modular forms are applied along either face of the wall and interconnected, preferably by snap ties. Each form has a frame around four edges and vertical members spaced between the vertical edge members, all preferably of 2.times.4's. The inner face of each form carries a diamond pattern expanded metal member.

Abstract: A method of constructing a construction shell, the method comprising the steps of:forming a sheet of thin flexible material into a shape complementary to the shape of a constructional shell to be formed; erecting and supporting the sheet material in the desired shape and configuration of shell required; strengthening and stiffening the sheet of thin material progressively to form a strengthened shell former of the desired shape; coating the strengthened and stiffened shell former with at least one layer of an outer or inner structural coating material so as to form a constructional shell of desired shape which can be used for a variety of different building constructions.

Abstract: A loading dock canopy comprising a frame having a top, opposite sides, an inner face, an outer face, and a center access opening adapted to be aligned with the loading access opening of the loading dock. The frame is of resilient construction to permit deflection thereof, and an elastic material covers at least the top of the frame, with suitable covering material extending over the sides thereof. Inner and outer vertical members comprise the sides of said frame. Spring means extend therebetween to hold said vertical members apart. Cables limit the relative movement of said vertical members. Hinge means at the top of the frame facilitate the deflective capabilities of said frame.

Abstract: Construction system consisting of a flat main body having recesses at its edges and a centrally-hinged connecting member having opposed parts that fit in the recesses.

Abstract: Penetrations or passageways through fire resistant walls, floors, partitions and ceilings are frequently necessary to provide for present or future pipes, cables or conduits. A device fixed to the walls of the penetration provides a barrier to prevent the passing of fire, heat, smoke and toxic gases, and water through the penetration under adverse conditions of fire or elevated temperatures. The device includes at least one end cap capable of providing a cold smoke seal. An intumescent material which in the event of excessive heat or fire, foams and expands to substantially fill the penetration, is provided. The device may include a laminated restraining layer to provide assurance that the char formed during the intumescent reaction to fire and heat, is generated so that the penetration cavity is optimally filled.