Abstract: Mid-wall panel joints for joining first and second upstanding wall panel members tightly together with their front surfaces in a common plane. A first embodiment utilizes a combination of spacer members and alignment plates fixed to the rear surfaces of the wall panel members, and an elongated joining member which has first and second columns of elongated slots. The spacer members on the first and second wall panel members extend through spacer head receiving portions of the elongated slots and the joining member is then downwardly advanced to a frictional locking position. A second embodiment utilizes spacer members and a split or divided elongated joining member, adjustably clamped together, which permits alignment of the front surfaces of the wall panel members in a common plane, notwithstanding the joining of wall panel members having different thickness dimensions.

Abstract: Mid-wall panel joints for joining first and second upstanding wall panel members tightly together with their front surfaces in a common plane. First and second elongated alignment plates are fixed to the rear surfaces of the first and second wall panel members, respectively, adjacent to the edges to be joined, with each having a plurality of fingers which extend outwardly to vertically interleave with the fingers of the other alignment plate, and to contact the rear surface of the other wall panel members. A plurality of spacer members are fixed to the first and second alignment plates, with two vertical columns on each alignment plate. A plurality of similarly constructed joining members, each having four elongated slots or openings, complete the joint. The spacer members on the first and second wall panel members extend through spacer head receiving portions of the elongated slots, and the joining members are then downwardly advanced to a frictional locking position.

Abstract: Mid-wall panel joints for joining first and second upstanding wall panel members tightly together with their front surfaces in a common plane. A first embodiment utilizes a combination of spacer members and alignment plates fixed to the rear surfaces of the wall panel members, and an elongated joining member which has first and second columns of elongated slots. The spacer members on the first and second wall panel members extend through spacer head receiving portions of the elongated slots and the joining member is then downwardly advanced to a frictional locking position. A second embodiment utilizes spacer members and a split or divided elongated joining member, adjustably clamped together, which permits alignment of the front surfaces of the wall panel members in a common plane, notwithstanding the joining of wall panel members having different thickness dimensions.

Abstract: A hydraulic elevator system which utilizes a single hydraulic jack having a cylinder fixed below an elevator car, and a plunger. The elevator car is supported on the end of the plunger. The hydraulic jack extends upwardly and into the elevator car, reducing the space required below the car by the amount of the penetration of the hydraulic jack. The hydraulic jack is disposed adjacent to the front portion of the hatchway, enabling it to occupy an enclosed, concealed space in the elevator car, between its entranceway and its operational controls.

Abstract: A panel joint, including first and second upstanding metallic panel members, spacer members on the first panel member, a vertically slidable locking member on the second panel member, and cooperative slots in the second panel member and locking member which receive the spacer members in first positions of the locking member and first panel member, secure the panel members in assembled relation in a second position of the first panel member, and lock the panels tightly together in a second position of the locking member.

Abstract: A panel joint for joining a non-metallic panel member and a metallic panel member. A metallic joining member having elongated slots, and metallic spacer members fixed to the non-metallic panel member, cooperate to clamp the metallic panel member to the non-metallic panel member, with the orientation of each slot and a tapered transition on each spacer member providing first and second different clamping forces in response to a predetermined vertical movement of the joining member.

Abstract: A panel joint for joining two upstanding panel members at right angles to one another. A right angle joining member has slots which cooperate with spacers on the panel members. The spacers on at least one of the panel members include a cam surface which cooperates with a tapered transition portion of the slots in one of the leg portions of the right angle joining member, to facilitate joining panels having surfaces which may not be absolutely flat.

Abstract: A panel joint for joining first and second adjoining, upstanding wall panels such that their front surfaces are in a common plane and the forward facing corners of their adjoining edges are held tightly together. The panel joint includes first and second joint elements fixed to the back surfaces of the first and second wall panels, respectively, adjacent to their adjoining edges. The first and second joint elements each include upstanding leg portions disposed in spaced parallel relation, with one of the leg portions having a flanged end which bridges the spacing and butts against the side of the other leg portion. Clamping devices link the leg portions of the first and second joint elements.

Abstract: A joint between first and second adjacent panel members, including first and second cooperatively bent members on the adjoining edges of the first and second panel members, respectively. The bent members are coupled to define an open ended, vertically extending cavity, having a substantially rectangular configuration in horizontal section. An expandable locking device is inserted into the cavity, which device applies pressure to opposite corners of the cavity substantially along the entire length thereof, to provide and maintain a tight joint between the panel members.