Abstract: The structure disclosed includes an air supported transparent membrane which encloses a solar collector unit. The solar unit includes a solar collector element and two angled walls that support and position the element. The solar collector element receives and absorbs solar radiation and provides heat to a circulating fluid. The support walls extend forwardly and outwardly from the collector element and have reflecting facing surfaces to increase the amount of radiation falling on the element. The walls extend rearwardly of the element to define a chamber in which small rocks are stored to provide heat storage. The transparent membrane creates a greenhouse effect within the chamber defined by the membrane, increasing the operating temperature and thus the conversion efficiency of the solar collector element. Furthermore, the air supported membrane protects the solar collector unit from wind loading.

Abstract: A stress relieved air supported structure having a wall portion including a plurality of relatively elongated panel members joined together by seam means and restrained by harness means; anchor means being provided along the base perimeter of the wall portion; each of the panel members including a membrane configuration, adjoining panel members being joined together by a seam means and having web means interconnected thereto along the seam thereof, and wherein the load of the harness means, seam means, anchor means, and the load and stress of the membrane configurations thereof are a function of the width and height of the air supported structure, the primary radius of curvature thereof, and the design wind speed and inflation pressure thereof.

Abstract: An air supported structure including a wall portion having a membrane configuration comprising a structural substrate to which a plurality of coatings or films have been applied in a manner to provide a membrane configuration having improved heat flow properties, sound and light radiation and/or absorbing qualities, structural integrity, weather resistance, and design characteristics as desired or required according to the intended use of the air supported structure.