Abstract: Prefabricated panel (1) for building construction that includes a core (2) that is made of insulating material and that is covered on its two faces by a uniform concrete layer (3A, 3B), and in which there are provided, close to one face of the plate, housings (4) for struts (5) that project at one end for the purpose of sealing them against the ground, and, on the opposite face of the plate, housings (7) for reinforcement elements (8) extending between two parallel edges of the panel (1) and projecting beyond these edges so as to constitute a belt element, in the assembled state of the panel (1) with adjacent panels (21, 22). The prefabricated pane is useful for the construction of outer walls of a building with a very light structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting any one of blocks and panels of cellular plastics into various shapes. The cellular plastic is held on a stationary platform around which a movable frame is affixed to two slides. The movable frame moves on two horizontal rails to effect cutting in the x-direction. Cutting is done with a hot wire affixed to two slides which move together vertically on vertical rails along the moveable frame to effect cutting in the y-direction. Stepping motors are driven by a computer to provide for displacement of the hot wire. Each motor includes a pinion which is mounted on a shaft directly engaging gear-racks parallel to the rails, to effect cutting of various shapes defined by the equation y=f(x).