Abstract: An articulated bearing for the articulated transfer of heavy loads, e.g., from a bridge superstructure to a bearing pad, includes a pot connected to the bearing pad and a cover connected to the bridge. The cover extends vertically into the pot to form a sealed space vertically therebetween. A deformable, non-compressible cushioning medium (e.g., liquid or plastic) occupies the space and is loaded by the cover. Horizontal forces are withstood by a journal formed on the cover (or on the pot) and extending into a recess formed in the pot (or in the cover). The journal extends within the recess for less than the recess height to form a gap which is also occupied by the deformable medium to maximize the supporting area of that medium. A channel communicates the gap and space to equalize the pressure of the medium.

Abstract: A height adjustable pot bearing is provided having a pot, a steel cover plate and an elastic plate of substantially incompressible elastomeric material disposed in and completely filling the pressure chamber defined between the cover plate and the pot. A circumferential slot is provided in the base of the elastic plate radially inwardly from the outer wall of the plate so that a circumferential lip is formed. The pressurized fluid supplied to the pressure chamber of the pot bearing presses against the base of the elastic plate to lift the elastic plate and the cover plate and forces the circumferential lip radially outwardly against the wall of the pot to seal thereagainst.

Abstract: A concrete slab is connected to a column passing therethrough. Embedded in the slab are insert parts each having a first recess. The slab also carries a ridge-like reinforcement which includes bars that project through the first recesses and into second recesses carried by the column. The recesses correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the bars and tightly engage same.

Abstract: This invention relates to large reflectors in particular those used for antennas, solar mirrors and the like having a concave reflector surface. The reflector comprises a membrane having a reflective surface, which membrane in its initial planar state is capable of being deformed in all directions in its plane. The reflector is mounted in a gas-tight chamber as one wall thereof and a differential pressure is exerted across the membrane either by way of increased or reduced pressure applied to the chamber. When deformed to concave shape, such deformation may be sufficient to cause permanent deformation of the membrane to its concave shape when it has been stretched beyond its elastic limit and plastic deformation has occurred. The reflector may then be used removed from the gas-tight chamber and when so used is preferably backed with a rigid foam backing.

Abstract: A waisted envelope for tubular building structures, such as cooling towers, is supported by way of a supporting structure, joined with its top end and responsible for a pulling or pretensioning force, on a system taking up the vertical component of the pulling force. The envelope is designed as a membrane made of material designed for supporting tension within its plane in all directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure, such as a cooling tower, comprising a waisted tubular envelope consisting of a membrane made of a material which is capable of supporting tension in all directions in its plane. The membrane is pre-tensioned and carried with its tubular axis upright from a support which provides the vertical component of the pre-tensioning.