Abstract: A transverse span for an airform membrane is disclosed that can include a material having a perimeter defined at least in part by a longitudinal edge having opposite ends that terminate at a base edge further defining the perimeter. The longitudinal edge can be configured to couple to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent transverse span of the airform membrane. The base edge can at least partially define a base perimeter of the airform membrane for coupling with a base support structure. The transverse span can also include a load compensated region with a length dimension and/or a width dimension reduced from an intended final dimension to compensate for stretch of the material when the airform membrane is inflated. In addition, the transverse span can include a flare region between the load compensated region and the base edge. The flare region can transition in the length dimension and/or the width dimension between the load compensated region and the base edge.

Abstract: A transverse span for an airform membrane is disclosed that can include a material having a perimeter defined at least in part by a longitudinal edge having opposite ends that terminate at a base edge further defining the perimeter. The longitudinal edge can be configured to couple to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent transverse span of the airform membrane. The base edge can at least partially define a base perimeter of the airform membrane for coupling with a base support structure. The transverse span can also include a load compensated region with a length dimension and/or a width dimension reduced from an intended final dimension to compensate for stretch of the material when the airform membrane is inflated. In addition, the transverse span can include a flare region between the load compensated region and the base edge. The flare region can transition in the length dimension and/or the width dimension between the load compensated region and the base edge.

Abstract: A monolithic dome shaped building of a size suitable to receive at least one relatively large vehicle, such as an airplane, is formed with a generally rectangular shaped access opening of sufficient size to enable passage of an airplane or other large vehicle into and out of the building. A three-dimensional unitary door is supported at an upper marginal edge on a guide track for lateral movement of the door between a first position closing the access opening and a second open position enabling passage through the access opening. The door includes a rigid frame structure having spaced upstanding frame members having outer convex surfaces similar to the convex contour of the dome wall adjacent the access opening.

Abstract: A reclaimer for moving grains and other bulk material in a desired direction includes a substantially cylindrical column upstanding within a storage silo. A track, mounted on the storage silo above the floor, concentrically encircles the column. A motorized carriage is mounted on the track so as to selectively move thereon. Extending between the top end of the column and the carriage is a boom. The proximal end of the boom is rotatably mounted to the column such that movement of the carriage on the tack results in the boom rotating around the column. Suspended from the boom by a pair of winch activated cables is a scraper. The scraper includes an elongated frame having a proximal end that is rotatably and slidably mounted on the column below the boom. Secured along the length of the frame is one or more rotatable augers.

Abstract: A dome building structure employs an inflatable form having a peripheral edge secured to a base. A network of cable-like members overlies the form and is secured to the base so as to restrain pressurized inflation of the form to prevent tearing. A layer of insulating foam is applied to the inner surface of the inflated form followed by attachment of a reinforcing mesh and application of a cementitious layer sufficient to embed the mesh. Internal ribs are formed to directly underlie the network of external cable members which may be interconnected to the internal ribs to assist in support of the ribs until they become self-supporting of the dome. The external network of cable-like members allows the form to extend convexly outwardly or pooch through interstices in the cable network creating smaller radii of curvature to better withstand inward buckling.

Abstract: A building structure and method of making the same are disclosed wherein an inflatable form is inflated and an insulation layer of urethane foam is applied to the undersurface of the form. Hanger members are secured to the foam layer by adhesively affixing planar base portions of the hangers to the foam layer whereafter additional foam is applied to embed the hanger bases. Reinforcing mesh is secured to and supported by the hangers followed by the application of one or more layers of a cementitious material which is allowed to cure. Air pressure beneath the form is progressively increased to maintain a substantially constant uplift force on the foam. The inflatable form may be removed after curing and a protective coating applied to the outer exposed surface of urethane foam to protect it from ultraviolet degradation.

Abstract: A building structure and method of making the same are disclosed wherein an inflatable form is inflated and an insulation layer of urethane form is applied to the undersurface of the foam. Hanger members are secured to the foam layer by adhesively affixing planar base portions of the hangers to the foam layer whereafter additional foam is applied to embed the hanger bases. Reinforcing mesh is secured to and supported by the hangers followed by the application of one or more layers of a cementitious material which is allowed to cure. Air pressure beneath the form is progressively increased to maintain a substantially constant uplift force on the foam. The inflatable form may be removed after curing and a protective coating applied to the outer exposed surface of urethane foam to protect it from ultraviolet degradation.