Abstract: A strip of sheet metal stock, having a plurality of serially-arranged holes formed therein is provided for fastening of the strip to a top plate of a building structure. The strip, further, has pairs of tabs formed therein which can be pried up from the plane of the strip, and put into vertical dispositions, to receive a rafter or truss between the paired, and vertically-disposed tabs. Holes in the tabs provide for the fastening of the emplaced rafters or trusses to the tabs. The pairs of tabs are uniformly spaced apart from other pairs thereof a distance which obtains between rafters or trusses according to conventional construction codes. An indeterminate supply of the strip can be stored on, and payed out from, a reel.

Abstract: A rain gutter system is provided including a frame having an elongated bottom face and a side wall coupled to the bottom face and extending upwardly therefrom. The side wall of the frame is defined by a front face, a rear face and a pair of side faces thus forming an interior space and an upper peripheral edge. An upper edge of the rear face is coupled to an upper surface of a roof. The bottom face has a cut out formed therein for residing in communication with a downwardly extending drain pipe. Also included is an inner basin with a shape and size similar to that of the frame. An upper edge of the front face of the inner basin is pivotally coupled to an upper edge of the front face of the frame for pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation wherein the water basin is inverted in front of the frame.

Abstract: A cladding support system for a framework including rounded tubular members having an arcuate face and flattened opposite ends inserted into cylindrical hubs. The support element includes an elongated span and opposite end portions each including a terminal end. The span has an arcuate surface in seated engagement with the arcuate face of the tubular member. The end portions of the support element each have a tapered surface coextensive with and angularly disposed relative to the arcuate surface. The tapered surface includes a groove at each terminal end of the support element for receiving the flattened ends of the tubular members. The terminal ends are angular and overhang the cylindrical hubs.

Abstract: A retaining wall block and wall construction are disclosed. The retaining wall block is characterized in that it includes a removable flange having pin apertures which pass through the flange and into the body of the block. Such blocks allow the construction of walls having flange connections between adjacent courses of blocks or, when the flange is removed, pin connections between adjacent courses of blocks. The latter connection system is particularly well-suited for constructing walls that require soil reinforcement systems such as geogrids.

Abstract: An integral reinforced resin grating structure having a plurality of load bars having a height dimension and a neutral axis and a plurality of cross bars integrally connected with said load bars. The cross bars may have a height less than the load bar height. The upper surface of the cross bars may be flush with the upper surface of the load bars. The lower surface of the cross bars may be located near or above the neutral axis of the load bars. The cross bars and load bars are reinforced with rovings placed along their respective longitudinal axis. The load bars have longitudinal rovings placed below the lower surface of the cross bars. Above the lower surface of the cross bars, the load bar rovings are interwoven with the cross bar rovings.For improved plastic reinforced grating structures having increased surface hardness and abrasion resistance, tabular alumina or other materials having a Mohs hardness of approximately 7 or higher may be added to the resin.

Abstract: A glazing element, in particular, for facing building facades, having two nes enclosing a gaseous atmospheric intermediate space and having a predetermined layer on at least one pane surface facing the intermediate space. The glazing element is distinguished by the fact that the predetermined layer has a reactive layer applied on one pane and a catalytic layer applied on the reactive layer. The catalytic layer, depending on the composition of the gas atmosphere contained between the panes, activates in the reactive layer. The reaction changes the optical and/or electrical properties of the reactive layer, and varies the composition of the gas atmosphere in the intermediate space, thereby making the electrical and/or optical properties of the reactive layer variable.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing a snow shelter. A set of fabric panels is connected together to provide a short skirt into which snow is filled throughout and compacted on the periphery. Panels are then connected to a higher level and additional snow is filled in throughout and compacted on the periphery. When the panels have been completely connected and filled with snow, they encompass a snow dome packed around the surface. The panels may then be removed and the dome hollowed out to provide a snow shelter. The hollowing out process may be guided through the use of probes that are pressed into the dome from the outside to provide a depth gauge. A closeable door may also be installed against the dome opening after the dome is constructed.

Abstract: Invention relates to an environmentally protected, mobile and adjustable elevated platform, such as for observation, or as a hunting blind. The platform is supported on a mobile stand by plural telescopic legs, and a centrally positioned telescopic lifting mechanism. The observation enclosure is formed by wall panels hingedly secured to the platform, and a roof panel secured to one of the wall panels. Access means to the enclosure, in the form of a door and extension ladder, are disclosed.

Abstract: A panel door has a generally rectangular panel which is seated in a frame provided by opposed pairs of integrally formed gasketless door stile and rail elements. Each frame element has an outer wall, a front wall, and a rear wall. The juncture of the rear wall and the outer wall of the aluminum extrusions is configured to enable resilient deflection of the rear wall relative to the outer wall, and the front and rear walls form a channel therebetween to receive the edge portion of the panel. Corner connectors couple the ends of the stiles and rails. The resiliently deflectable rear walls bear upon the rear surface of the panel and press it against the front wall to securely seat it in the channels.

Abstract: A permanent mold apparatus for accepting concrete, and a method of casting buildings and large dimensioned structures monolithically in situ. The mold apparatus encases the monolithic concrete structure, insulates the walls of the cast in situ concrete structure, and provides false ceilings under floor and roof slabs. The concrete is cast continuously to fill the mold apparatus to produce a homogeneous, jointless, protectively encased concrete structure.

Abstract: A method for laying and mechanically joining rectangular building panels in parallel rows includes the steps of (a) placing a new one of the panels adjacent to a long edge of a previously laid first one of the panels in a first row and to a short edge of a previously laid second one of the panels in an adjacent second row, such that the new one of the panels is in the second row, while holding the new one of the panels at an angle relative to a principal plane of the first panel, such that the new one of the panels is spaced from its final longitudinal position relative to said second panel and such that the long edge of the new panel is provided with a locking groove which is placed upon and in contact with a locking strip at the adjacent long edge of the first panel; (b) subsequently angling down the new one of the panels so as to accommodate a locking element of the strip of the first panel in the locking groove of the new panel, whereby the new panel and the first panel are mechanically connected with eac

Abstract: A structural system that can be used to cover an underlying area exactly or approximately defined by a circle, an ellipse, a superellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, or any closed boundary line. When viewed in plan, the roof structure substantially matches the boundary of the underlying area. The roof structure is made of sets of evenly or unevenly spaced arched parallel trusses which, at their lower ends, are supported by a compression ring that substantially matches the perimeters of the underlying area, and at their high end intersect one of a set of arched collector trusses. When viewed in plan, each parallel truss is parallel to one of a set of generator lines, defined as those lines running from a central point in the projected area of the roof structure to the vertices of a regular or irregular circumscribing polygon that approximates the projected roof area.

Abstract: A concrete crack control system is provided. The system comprises a vane or angle projecting from a wall, such as a pedestal or column or other wall surfaces against which a concrete floor or slab is poured. After the concrete has set to firm consistency, a saw cut is provided of a substantial depth in line with the projecting vane. The exposed saw cut may be filled with conventional filler, such as grout or the like. Any tendency of the floor to crack upon aging will be along the line of the vane and saw cut, thereby preventing crack damage to the floor.

Abstract: An adjustable radius form assembly is provided which includes a plurality of vertical strongbacks and a plurality of horizontal walers. Each of the walers are pre-rolled to a desired radius. The walers are then connected to one another by ball and socket type adjusters which enable the end to end arrangement of the walers to accommodate an overall form assembly having a wide range of curvatures or radii. The plurality of end to end walers and plurality of corresponding strongbacks may define a gang form length. A number of gang form lengths may be connected to one another to create the desired form assembly for the structure to be constructed. The vertical strongbacks may be placed at desired spacings along the horizontal lengths of the corresponding walers by adjustment of connectors on said strongbacks extending through slotted plates on the walers.

Abstract: A modular finishing system for framed door or window openings which is adjustable for varying depths of door or window casings. The modular finishing system for framed door or window openings has opposing first and half subassemblies which may be prefabricated. Each subassembly includes casing and trim components. To erect, one subassembly is inserted within the framed door or window opening, one subassembly from each side of the opening. The subassemblies are slideably and adjustably engageable one with the other by a mechanism extending between the first subassembly inner edge and the second subassembly inner edge. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a cam shim is provided which assists and simplifies squaring the subassemblies within the framed opening.

Abstract: A structure for decks or other structures is disclosed which utilizes recycled plastic lumber decking planks which slide onto a rigid frame. The frame includes supporting members having protruding "T"-shaped connectors which selectively fit into preformed grooves on the side surfaces of the plastic planks. The manner in which the planks are secured to the frame allows for the expansion and contraction of the individual plank lengths due to temperature variations. In addition, brackets are provided which fasten railings and the like to the rigid frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the design of a modern theater for providing live entertainment performances. The theater comprises an auditorium which is defined in part by a modular central core which encloses a defined space. The theater further comprises a modular stage and a two-tier balcony module. The central core module, the stage and the balcony module are each supported by independent foundations and load bearing columns. The balcony module includes an upper level with open seating and a lower level with enclosed suites. The suites are designed so as not to adversely affect the acoustics of the theater. The theater also has two side wing modules for increasing the seating capacity of the theater and other modular structures abutting the central core module. The theater also includes partitions for closing part of the side wing modules and a novel jack system for supporting the acoustic panels forming the partitions when the panels are in their extended position.

Abstract: A cluster desk assembly is provided in which a desk top which is symmetrical about a center point is provided with a plurality of extension tops radiating outwardly to provide a plurality of work stations. The work stations are separated from each other by screen panels which also radiate outwardly from the center point to provide work stations, each of which includes a part of the desk top itself and at least part of one or more extension tops. The desk top may be either circular in peripheral shape or polygonal.

Abstract: A jointing metal fitting for joining wooden members in buildings is formed of a metal fitting main body having a U-shaped cross section, a securing device for securing the metal fitting main body to a first wooden member, and an axial securing device for securing a second wooden member to the metal fitting main body. The metal fitting main body includes a plate-like back section to be secured to the first wooden member, a plate-like holder section to be secured to the second wooden member, and a plate-like side section for linking the side of the back section and the side of the holder section. An axial securing groove is formed in the holder section to have an upper part opened to an upper end of the holder section. The first and second wooden members can be firmly and easily joined by the metal fitting.

Abstract: In a crack arresting structure the crack arresting feature is located in the transition from one thickness to another, or a region of increased thickness can be intentionally introduced for the purpose of inhibiting crack growth propagation. The crack arresting feature comprises two different structural configurations. These structures include a thickness transition region where a portion of the structure is plastically deformed at or immediately adjacent to the thickness transition region. Alternatively, an overhang is provided where an appendage to the thicker part extends back over the thinner part at a thickness transition region. A high strength fiber or wire, preferably of non-constant cross-section may be inserted into a gap underneath the overhang and held in place by crimping due to plastic deformation. Fiber or wire reinforced interface may be adhesively bonded into place prior to or in lieu of deformation or crimping.