Abstract: A method of forming a lift shaft or similar in a multi-storey building is disclosed. The method includes the casting the shaft in segments (typically in the order of 800 mm deep) and then assembling the segments atop each other to form the shaft. The segments have vertical passages which align to form channels in which rebar can be inserted to tie the structure together.

Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Abstract: Fasteners such as bolts or nuts are locked by a ring and associated keys. The ring typically has a series of holes with the fasteners passing through these holes in the ring. The ring has an outer surface with studs extending upward therefrom. Typically one key for each fastener is placed adjacent to the ring after the fasteners are tightened against the ring in each hole of the ring. The key has a head opening which fits over a head of the fastener and keeps the fastener from rotating. The key also has a bore which fits upon the stud, with the stud preventing key rotation, and the key in turn preventing fastener rotation. A retainer such as a lock nut on a threaded stud or a snap ring in a grooved stud hold the key to the ring and keep the ring in position locking the fasteners.

Abstract: A ring network system (1) has at least one node M which acts as a master or sender node to transmit an outgoing signal (O.S.1) having a relative address determined according to the relative location of the addressee node in the system. As the outgoing signal passes through each node in turn, it is changed and a node recognizes that it is the addressee node if the relative address has a predetermined common addressee value. The addressee node generates a return signal (R.S.1) with a node identifier which is transmitted in the opposite direction to the outgoing signal and the sender node ensures that this is received for a valid poll. The master node (M) may automatically configure itself by retrieving the identifier of all nodes in response to outgoing signals. This allows nodes to be easily added or deleted. Each node on the return path adds data which it has captured together with its identifier so that data may be captured from all nodes between the sender node and the addressee nodes.

Abstract: In a gate, a stile (20) and rail (21) abut side face to end face and are held together by a bolt passing at right angles through the end face to pull against a plate (25) located in a slot (26). Straps (34,41), see FIGS. 11 and 13, are used to reinforce the hanging and shutting stiles (20,20A) and to carry hanging and latching parts. A latching mechanism, see FIGS. 13 to 16, includes a latching bar (43) that is pivotally connected to the shutting stile (20) towards its middle by a flange (44). A leaf spring (45) urges the bar (43) into a latching position at which, when the gate is shut, the bar (43) is caught behind upper and lower retainers (46) mounted on a shutting gatepost (48). By pulling on a handle (50), the bar (43) can be rocked free of the retainers (46) to permit the gate to be opened. Connector plates ( 31) having sharp tongs are used, see FIGS. 9 and 10, with bolts to connect reinforcing struts (30) to the upper and lower rails (21,21A).