Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling the flow of a fluid is disclosed which includes a frame having first and second opposite sides, a plurality of flexible hollow tubular shaped elements positioned so as to extend between the first and second sides of the frame, and a mechanism connected to at least the first side of the frame for compressing opposite lateral edges of the first and second sheets of the flexible elements towards and away from one another so as to flex the first and second sheets of each of the flexible elements towards and away from each other and thus adjust fluid flow spacings between neighboring flexible elements. The method of controlling the flow of the gas includes the step of flowing the fluid between neighboring hollow tubular elements and biasing the first and second splines towards one another so as to flex the sheets of the tubular elements away from one another and towards neighboring tubular elements so as to adjust the opening between the neighboring tubular elements.

Abstract: A self-gridding flooring system and method for installing the same in which various disclosed embodiments of gridding members are used for contacting and spacing the panels from one another as they are installed, thereby eliminating the necessity of measuring and establishing a gridding in advance of the installation of the panels. The method and apparatus provides a way of assuring that the installed panels are sufficiently spaced apart that any one or more of the panels may be removed and replaced by any geometrically similar replacement panel or panels having the same nominal dimensions and the same tolerance ranges without interference between the replacement panels and the previously-installed panels contiguous thereto. The invention is suitable for use with panels having legs and panels not having legs, and further is suitable for panels having any overall configuration, including rectangular panels and triangular panels.

Abstract: A structural steel member and composite panel including the same and having a sheet of industrial steel having formed therein a pattern of dome-like projections, extending from the plane of the sheet, and of which at least the major portion of each projection is substantially circular in plan view and the projections are arranged in a geometric pattern that substantially limits the elongation of the material to the areas defined by the circular configurations, the dome-like projections also having formed in the peak areas thereof small truncated cones having a flattened uppermost planar surface, parallel to the original plane of said sheet, providing superior overall depth and increased resistance to crushing.