Abstract: A stopping for use in improving underground mine ventilation comprising an assembly of wall elements, said wall elements comprising:(a) a plurality of rigid blocks, and(b) a plurality of compliant sealing members. The rigid blocks and compliant sealing members are combined in courses to form a wall which extends over substantially the entire cross section of a tunnel being stopped, the sealing members being interposed between and/or around the rigid blocks in a uniform or nonuniform arrangement throughout the extent of the wall so as to (i) accommodate convergence loads imposed on the wall, and (ii) form, together with the rigid blocks, a barrier against the flow of gas through the tunnel.

Abstract: A building structure comprising a corrugated protective layer having crests and valleys, a plurality of rigid metal securement strips applied over the corrugated protective layer, an outer weather-resistant covering applied over the rigid metal securement strips, and connecting means for securing said building elements together. A layer of insulation may be included between the rigid metal securement strips and exterior weather-resistant covering. The outer weather-resistant covering, the layer of insulation, and the metal securement strips can be secured to the corrugated protective layer without disturbing the preexisting structure.

Abstract: The present invention consists of apparatus for purifying water in a continuous manner which removes suspended, dissolved and organic matter and provides water with a neutral pH and having a minimum electrical resistance of 18 Meg ohms for applications requiring ultra-pure water for research and commercial applications.

Abstract: An insulating wall structure for installation over an existing outer wall of a structure comprises an insulating material spaced from said outer wall with a closure means at the bottom and sides of said outer wall and an opening adjacent the top of said insulating wall structure.

Abstract: A novel and highly efficient insulating wall structure for a building comprises a generally closed wall with a top venting structure only. The wall structure generally comprises two substantially moisture and air impervious barriers spaced from each other by intervening framing members, a bottom substantially moisture-and-air impervious closure sealing the bottom of said barriers and a venting structure locating only at the top of said wall to release water vapor from the interior of said wall.

Abstract: A chain of imbricated bags connected and supported by a carrier removably secured to the closed end of each of the bags is used for individually dispensing the leading bag when the carrier is moved in a direction which advances the sealed end of the bag ahead of the open end. A method and apparatus for dispensing such bags are also included.

Abstract: A mobile monopod operations platform for use in ice covered seas and adapted for carrying out two modes of ice disaggregation, either or both such modes being selectively useable during either transit or relatively stationary operations. An ice breaker bow is employed in conjunction with simulated pitching and heaving brought about by the programmed use of a plurality of fully vectorable thrusters on a submersible hull. At the stern of the monopod structure, counter-rotating cutting drums are utilized for ice disaggregation in a mode particularly useful when the ice is thick. Topside of the bow and cutter area, an enclosed, generally circular, superstructure is provided for carrying out the requisite operations while mitigating the adverse effects of high winds.