Abstract: A fixing bracket 5 in a roof construction is a metal sheet with two parallel grooves 39, 40 pressed therein to protrude as ribs from the other side of the sheet. each groove extending from one edge of the sheet to another with two straight end portions and a central part-circular central portion. The outer edge of the sheet is concentrically part-circular and the inner edge is folded up at 38. Such a bracket, or a pair of such brackets back-to-back with grooves 39, 40 protruding, can connect cold-rolled channels 1,2 e.g. as used for the uprights or rafters of a portal frame structure, with compatible longitudinal base grooves. The channels are again usually used in back-to-back pairs and the brackets are bolted within these back-to-back pairs of channels. The included angle can be from 90.degree.-135.degree. for eaves brackets, or from 90.degree.-180.degree. for ridge brackets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting the ocean floor is disclosed. A sled connected to a vessel is towed over the ocean floor. The sled is supported by spaced apart runners that mount an upwardly open container in which particles to be harvested are collected as the sled is drawn forwardly by the vessel. A cable extends from the vessel to the container and is driven in a forward direction. Buckets are mounted to the cable and have a forwardly directed open end. The cable is guided so that the buckets are moved through the container of the sled to thereby pick up the particles and convey them to the vessel. The sled includes means for dislodging the particles to be harvested from the ocean floor, and for separating from the particles silt and other undesirable contaminants of a size smaller than the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for harvesting deep-sea particles, such as nodules, from a substantially planar deep-sea bottom is disclosed. A vessel on the surface tows a heavier than water sled along the ocean bottom. Towing occurs through a single towing strip connected to the sled at the lower end, connected to the vessel at the upper end, and extending angularly downward from the vessel to the sled. The towing strip includes an integral elevator mechanism comprising in the preferred embodiment a series of buckets having perforated sides conveyed by and on an endless belt traveling on the towing strip. The series of buckets on the endless belt empties a concentrator collector having the accumulated and harvested particles in the towed sled. The buckets ride upwardly from the sled to the surface vessel on a first track on the towed strip. The bucket contents are then emptied at the surface typically within the vessel, and thereafter are reconveyed to the sled on a second and separate track on the towing strip.