Abstract: A multi-story, multi-dwelling, non-elevator, ground floor handicapped accessible, rectangular shape, residential building. The building has a non-protruding stairway on each short side of the building and a centrally located, upper level corridor connecting the stairways.

Abstract: A collapsible frame device and method of packing vehicles in a transport container is disclosed. The frame device comprises a base and upper and lower vehicle support members associated with the base for supporting at least two vehicles. In the erected configuration of the device, the vehicle support members are horizontally and vertically spaced from one another. The support members are collapsible onto the base in a substantially flat position.

Abstract: A storage structure including a plurality of storage spaces disposed helically about a cylindrical shaft and including a lifting vehicle which is guided in the shaft so that it winds about the vertical axis of the shaft in a screw-like manner. Provided on the lifting vehicle is at least one consumer. A stowage unit is provided on the lifting vehicle or in the region of the floor of the shaft. A supply line for connecting the consumer to a supply unit is received within the stowage unit. The stowage unit is open at the top and defines a cavity which may include a winding spindle. The cavity and the winding spindle are disposed about the vertical axis of the shaft so that the supply line can be received as the lifting vehicle rotates. The outer periphery of the cavity corresponds substantially to the pitch of the helix defining the motion of the lifting vehicle.

Abstract: An underground construction has: a circumference wall forming therein a cone shaped space; plural support members located at the circumference of the cone shaped space at vertically the same height; floor construction bodies each having plural bed beams and a floor portion, the ends of the bed beams being supported by the support members, and the floor portions being disposed in the middle of the cone shaped space at a fixed interval from the circumference wall.No pillars for supporting the floors are needed, thereby leaving a maximum clear space on the floors for use.

Abstract: A carport enclosure built around an existing carport. The carport itself includes a plurality of carport support posts secured upright by respective footings and a roof supported by the support posts and overhanging the support posts. Enclosure posts, supported upright by footings, are positioned outboard of the carport support posts. A first side or end wall is attached to and supported by at least one of the enclosure posts, disposed underneath the roof and extends at least substantially up thereto so as to appear to be an integral side wall. Similarly, a second side or end wall is attached to and supported by at least one of the enclosure posts, disposed underneath an opposite side of the roof and extends at least substantially up thereto so as to appear to be an integral side wall. A rear wall is attached to and supported by at least one of the enclosure posts so as to appear to be an integral rear wall.

Abstract: A multistory, multiple dwelling unit building complex includes a multistory vehicle parking garage having vertically spaced parking decks which are disposed at the same elevations as the building corridors or breezeways which provide pathways to dwelling unit entrances in the buildings at various levels. Bridges or catwalks interconnect each parking deck with a corresponding corridor or breezeway at each floor of each building so that an occupant of a particular unit in a building may move between the unit entrance and a corresponding parking deck in the garage without changing elevation. The buildings may be clustered around plural sides of the garage with each building being connected to the garage by vertically spaced bridges or catwalks connecting the respective building levels with a corresponding parking deck. The garage may include elevators, stairways, trash disposal ducts and mailbox clusters at one or more corners of the garage.

Abstract: A self storage warehouse facility (10) has a plurality of separate insulated self storage rooms (12) each having an exterior foldable door (14) mounted for movement between open and closed positions to permit access to the insulated storage room (12). The foldable door (14) has a plurality of insulated partitions (50, 52, 54) having rollers (66) mounted in guide rails or tracks (42) for movement. In closed position, the lower partition (54) has a lower tubular seal (74) which seals against the foundation (11) and an adjacent ledge (74, FIG. 4). The entire outer perimeter of the door (14) is sealed against a rubber strip (40) along the side edges and upper edge of the door (14). A tubular seal (72) seals along the bottom edge of the door (14). A solenoid operated damper (82, FIG. 7) in a cool air duct (80) is moved to a closed position by energizing of the solenoid (87) upon opening of the door (14). The damper (82) is opened upon return of the door (14) to a closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle parking structure is disclosed which is comprised of prefabricated, modular components for portability. At the parking location, a steel framework is erected with a grid of support beams which form a plurality of bays. Each bay mounts a metal deck panel which is formed of a deck structure having an undulating cross-section, the top of which carries a flat rigid plate. The deck structure and plate provide a combined moment of resistance sufficient to support the weight of vehicles parked on top of the deck panels. Layers of elastomeric materials are applied over the deck panels for providing a waterproof, non-skid, wear resistant contact surface for the vehicles.

Abstract: A prefabricated service bay typically constructed of fiberglass has a tank-like profile with an access opening for providing access to the underside of a vehicle. The prefabricated service bay is placed within an excavated hole within a vehicle service stall. The tank has a rounded section normal to the longitudinal axis of the bay. Drainage fill, such as pea gravel, is used between the bottom portion of the excavation and the bottom portion of the tank. A concrete cap is poured and cured over the top portion of the tank adjacent the opening. This poured and cured concrete serendipitously forms paired tracks for rolling placement of the wheels of a vehicle being serviced and additionally serves to key and maintain the service bay within the ground. Provision is made to provide a central standing area--preferably in the form of a raised platform--in the center bottom portion of the tank. Entrance and exit to the bay is provided through an end passageway with optional side staircase entry.

Abstract: A stand-alone centering device is provided for residential and commercial parking spaces to assist a motor vehicle operator in centering the motor vehicle in the space, the device consisting of a resilient floor marker which can be adhesively secured at or near an entrance end of the parking space and positioned such that the motor vehicle operator must align the left or right front tire of the vehicle to roll over the marker followed by the left or right rear tire of the vehicle in order to establish proper alignment of the vehicle in centered relation to the space. An additional marker may be positioned in predetermined relation to the front end of the space to indicate the forward end limit of travel.

Abstract: A rotating guard rail assembly formed preferably of steel tubing and sheathed in a polymerized material such as plastic. The assembly generally comprises a vertical stanchion sheathed in plastic and having a rotating jacket assembly mounted about the exterior of the stanchion. The jacket is free to rotate about the stanchion thereby acting as a cornering or pivoting device to redirect a moving object upon impact of the guard rail assembly.

Abstract: A semaphore type loading dock safety barrier for use across a vehicle passageway to prevent accidentally driving a vehicle off the end of the loading dock. A barrier mount is attached to a guidepost inside the loading dock doorway and is horizontally rotatable about a vertical axis. A rigid barrier arm is rotatably affixed to the barrier mount so that the barrier arm raises and lowers vertically in a semaphore arm fashion. The barrier arm is typically constructed from an I-beam or box beam and is of sufficient strength to resist vehicle impact. A receiving rest is attached to an opposite guidepost inside the loading dock doorway and is horizontally rotatable about a vertical axis and positioned to receive the free end of the barrier arm.

Abstract: A hand-rail (3) for use in ships, buildings, etc., which, in order to give an indication of direction to persons who are in the ships or buildings, is designed with projections (4) with a direction-orientated design in the hand-rail's (3) longitudinal direction. By following this direction orientation, it will be possible to find the way to exits or specific locations. A description is also given of possibilities for reversing the hand-rail's guiding direction.

Abstract: A road intersection comprising a main road having at least two traffic lanes in each direction and an inside and an outside lane in each direction having parallel center lines, and a secondary road having at least one traffic lane in each direction intersecting said main road. There is provided a traffic island in the intersection extending parallel to and disposed between the inside lanes of the main road so as to block the lanes of the secondary road. A pair of opposed detour roads is disposed on either side of the intersection, and each detour road is located vertically above or below the main road in a manner such that the land space lying vertically under each detour road is substantially within the boundaries of the land space lying vertically under the main road.

Abstract: A garage (10) generally comprises a pair of side walls (20, 40) that are vertical, parallel and semi-circular, and a peripheral wall (60) spanning between the periphery of the side walls (20, 40) to form an enclosure. The peripheral wall (60) includes a front door (61) and a rear door (71). Front and rear door support paths (30, 35) are located on the inside (28) of each side wall (20, 40) near the wall's peripheral edge. Each door path is parallel, semi-circular and supports a side edge of a door. The front and rear door paths (30, 35) are of different radius such that the door panels may overlap. Latching mechanisms (80), located at approximately midway up on the marginal side (38, 58) of each side wall (20, 40) are moveable to a latching position connecting a door to sidewalls (20, 40) such that the door cannot slide and such that the door prevents the side walls from outward movement at that location.

Abstract: Cell for repairing a portion of a vehicle, including a plurality of modular panels, forming ceiling, cladding, floor, wherein the panels are secured together so as to make up a volume encompassing, on the one hand, all or some of the vehicle and, on the other hand, all of the means necessary for repairing the said vehicle, the said volume being equipped on one of its sides with at least one opening for the introduction of the said vehicle, the said opening being provided over all or some of its periphery with a sealing member allowing the said cell to be used in a configuration in which the volume and energy required are reduced.

Abstract: A parking garage in which parking zones are arranged at both sides of a self-running lane, and slat conveyers are arranged at the lane and the parking zones, such that a vehicle that has run on the lane is conveyed to one of the parking zones by the slat conveyers. At exit, a vehicle in one of the parking zones is conveyed to the self-running lane by the slat conveyers, and it runs by itself on the lane to exit the garage.

Abstract: The installation for the parking of motor vehicles has one or several autonomous parking units (S), shaped as sectors of a circle on plan. Each such unit has its own mechanical conveyor system, comprising a car lift (10) with a vertical guide (11) located in the region of the apex of the sector, and a cantilevered vehicle platform (12) that pivots across the angle enclosed by the sector. Within the parking unit (S) the lift (10) provides the vertical and horizontal transport of the vehicles between a drive-in/drive-out level (1) and the parking spaces on parking levels below and/or above level (1); in addition, the lift (10) is equipped for the radial transfer of vehicles. Each parking unit (S) also has its own means for turning vehicles in situ, e.g. one or several turntables or rotary platforms (8) at the drive-in/drive-out level (1).

Abstract: A guard rail assembly having a sheath formed of polymerized material, such as plastic. A panel set within the rail structure is also formed of a polymerized material, such as plastic. The sheathing about the guard rail assembly creates a protective coating eliminating repainting of the guard rail assembly and further preventing damage to the guard rail and impacting devices.

Abstract: An automated car park (10) is illustrated having a plurality of storage locations (21) arranged on a plurality of levels (42) and transportation means (53) for transporting the cars to or from selected storage locations (21). The transportation means (53) includes a pallet truck (57) which travels along guide rails (32) positioned on either side of an aisle (44) separating opposing rows of storage locations. A pallet dolly (56) supports a pallet (55) upon which a car (54) may be supported and enables a selected pallet to be transferred between storage locations (21) and the pallet truck (57). Lifting means are provided to lift the pallet truck between levels.

Abstract: A portable curing cell assembly is provided for storing tobacco for curing, the curing cell assembly may comprise a kit of component parts capable of being easily assembled and disassembled in the field. The curing cell assembly includes a frame structure which defines at least one storage bay through which an elevating trailer can be transported. Tobacco rod holding members are provided disposed longitudinally along the side of the storage bay so that tobacco laden tobacco rods can be suspended from the holding members across the storage bay. A roof is disposed across and above the storage bay, the roof being supported generally by the frame structure as a predetermined height above the tobacco rod holding members.

Abstract: An automatic automobile parking garage is provided, particularly an underground parking garage having an entrance at ground level, which is the location of the roof of the parking garage. One or two vertical arrays of automobile loading stations are provided, and at the roof, there is an automobile loading station. An elevator carries a pallet, and means for pushing the pallet laterally onto an automobile loading station, and then pulling the pallet, with the car on it, from the elevator base, the elevator base then being lowered until it is opposite an automobile storage station, where the pallet with the automobile on it is pushed laterally by pushing apparatus onto the automobile storage station. The automobile storage station comprises a pair of parallel, horizontal cantilever support beams, which support a pallet and an automobile thereon. A hatch is provided which is of a size and shape to cover, or close, the opening.

Abstract: Multi-story car park, comprising parking floors divided into lanes having a width approximately equal to the length of the vehicle, and a length which is a multiple of the width of the vehicle, these lanes being sub-divided into elevator lanes (2), in which there are elevators to move the vehicle vertically, fixed space lanes (4) for the parking of vehicles, and flexible space lanes (3) situated between the elevator lanes (2) and the fixed space lanes (4).

Abstract: A pit area for a race track a stall has first and second sidewalls. A first end wall is adjacent a selected one of the first and second sidewalls and extends toward the other of the first and second sidewalls defining an entrance to the stall. A second end wall is adjacent a selected one of said first and second sidewalls and extends toward the other of said first and second sidewalls defining an exit from the stall. An entrance driveway is adjacent the stall with the stall being at an angle to the entrance driveway. An exit driveway is adjacent the stall with the stall being at an angle to the exit driveway.

Abstract: The device has two substantially vertical fixed guides along which sliders actuated by hydraulic cylinders can slide. The sliders support platforms which are each adapted to accommodate a motor vehicle. A bracket for each platform is associated with each slider and supports a profiled element on which the edge of the platform rests. The profiled element is provided with a gutter for conveying liquids to its ends.

Abstract: A mechanical-storage multi-level carpark includes a gantry structure formed by a set of uprights and crossbeams, defining a space inside which a vertical carrousel structure is supported, which is provided with car housing support.

Abstract: A thermally insulating window (2) is created by filing the space (16) between two window panes (4, 6) with a gas exhibiting low thermal conductivity at a moderately low pressure so to substantially eliminate convection heat flow through the insulating region but not so low as to substantially reduce conduction heat flow through the insulating region. Doing so greatly increases the thermal insulating qualities of the window without the problems associated with evacuating the region to extremely low pressures. The seal (14, 50) at the edge (10, 12) of the window panes can define one or more barrier regions (44, 46) which reduce air leakage into the insulating region.

Abstract: A drive-through shopping establishment having multiple buildings for ordering and purchasing goods. The shopping establishment may contain vendors of related goods, such as ready-to-eat food products, which permit the motorist to purchase one or more food products from different vendors from the comfort of his vehicle.

Abstract: A driver interaction center, and a method of operating such a center, which includes a driver service dispensation structure, having a plurality of collection stations for dispensing services, and a plurality of driveways, each of which is arrayed adjacent to at least one of the collection stations and which is directionally oriented for tandem collection of the services at the driver's side of vehicles such that drivers need not have to leave their seats to collect the services. Each of the driveways further defines a drive-thru periphery that is situated along the driver's side of vehicles as the vehicles proceed along the given driveway. The driver interaction center can be a food court center, a bank center, a photography center, as well as any of a number of other centers which provide goods or services on a drive-thru basis or have a combination of counter sevice and drive-thru service.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dry boat storage building comprising a floor surface having a center, a plurality of substantially vertical outer support columns disposed circumferentially around the center in spaced parallel relationship to one another and having upper and lower ends, a substantially annular boat storage rack disposed circumferentially around the center between the center and the vertical outer support columns, a plurality of elongate rafters respectively extending from a point spaced substantially vertically above the center to the upper ends of the vertical support columns and connected to the boat storage rack between the point and the upper end, a plurality of roof panels disposed over the rafters to form a continuous roof over the floor surface, and a plurality of wall panels disposed around the vertial support columns to form a substantially continuous wall around the boat storage rack.

Abstract: A device for controlling access to a shaded parking area. In the invention, a parking space is provided with shade. Access to the shade is controlled by a meter in combination with a removable barrier. When the user gains access by insertion of a "credit card", the time of entry is noted together with the later time of exit. The elapsed time is used to compute the amount of charge to the user.

Abstract: A vehicle lubrication system. The system includes a building structure with a motor vehicle servicing bay having a ground floor. An elongate trench formed in the ground floor includes a lower floor. The trench is sized to permit a vehicle to be positioned on the ground floor with the wheels of the vehicle straddling the trench. The depth of the trench from the ground floor to the lower floor is in the range of fourteen to twenty-eight inches. A creeper and oil splash pan are movably positioned in the trench. Apparatus is provided for removing oil through the dipstick tube of the vehicle.

Abstract: A two level structure for parking vehicles or storing goods, which structure comprises a sunken pit, first and second spaced apart platform members which are for receiving the vehicles or the goods, support means which is mounted on the first platform member and which supports the second platform member in a fixed horizontal position above the first platform member, mover means for moving the platform members from a first position in which the platform member is in the pit and the second platform member is at ground level to a second position in which the first platform member is at ground level and the second platform member is above ground level, a water sealing arrangement for preventing the ingress of water into the pit, and emergency stop means for automatically stopping the descent of the first and second platform members in the event that the second platform member encounters an obstacle, the second platform member being such that it has a peripheral overlap portion which overlaps the rim of the pit, a

Abstract: Drivers are deterred from speed violations in absence of any police car by seeing a walled structure capable of containing and hiding a police car from outside view while permitting view from inside of traffic outside. At least one end wall permits rapid exit of a police car to make an arrest. The top is open to vent exhaust gas.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterised by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.

Abstract: A building structure includes a building unit, such as a mobile home, house trailer, motor home, prefabricated building, hut or shed, duck blind, platform, or dock. There is also provided a shell, preferably of a resilient plastic material, which shell is of such size and configuration as to underly the building unit and provide a base upon which the building is supported. The shell defines a space between itself and the building unit. This space is substantially entirely filled with an insulating foam filling material in the shell. That is, according to the method of construction of the present invention, a dished shell with a hollow interior is placed at a selected building site in a concave, upward condition, which shell constitutes a main part of a foundation for the overall building structure.

Abstract: A drip pan adapted to catch dirt and debris falling from a vehicle that is driven onto it, thereby protecting a garage floor surface underlying the drip pan from soiling or contamination. The drip pan is a rectangular sheet of plastic that is sized to extend beyond the perimeter of the vehicle with which it will be used. The edges of the plastic sheet are rolled under and thermally sealed or glued along a line parallel with the perimeter of the sheet, forming a sleeve. In one embodiment, a radially compressible cylindrical material, such as pipe insulation tubing, is inserted into the sleeves to provide a raised ridge around the perimeter of the sheet. In a second embodiment, the sleeves on each side are hermetically sealed and provided with air inflation valves so that they can be inflated to create the ridge. The ridge serves as a side wall to contain the salt, ice, or dirt that falls off the vehicle onto the sheet; a vehicle can be driven over the ridge without damaging it or permanently deforming it.

Abstract: A guidance system is disclosed for permitting a person whose vision is impaired to continuously know his or her location with respect to the boundaries of an area having a walking surface and the spatial dimension of the area traversed. The guidance system comprises a plurality of tactual stimuli having predetermined physical characteristics distributed over substantially the entire walking surface. The physical characteristics of the tactual stimuli vary in a predetermined detectable manner in relation to proximity to the boundaries. The variation in the physical characteristics is detectable by the touch of a person traversing the walking surface. Preferably, the tactual stimuli comprise three sets, each set of tactual stimuli being distributed over a separate portion of the walking surface. All of the tactual stimuli of each set has substantially the same physical characteristics.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved and more efficient method and articles of manufacture to construct new bridge decks, or to replace existing bridge decks. This unique method of constructing deck slabs utilizes precast, prestressed concrete form panels that are continuous over the floor beams or supporting walls. A cast-in-place concrete topping is placed on the form panels and finished to the proper grade to become the top surface of the slab. The cast-in-place topping also bonds to the roughened top surface of the precast, prestressed form panels and acts with the panels to create a structural deck slab. In addition, this invention embodies a new method and article of manufacture and installation for precast parapets, safety curbs and traffic divisors which are attached to a precast, prestressed continuous panel positioned on the supporting beams, or a conventional bridge deck.

Abstract: A concrete ramp is, in cross section, in the form of an inverted U and is made in sections. The form includes a base the upper surfaces of which are inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle wanted for tread surface of the ramp. A pair of inner and outer side walls are provided for each side of the base and then are shaped and dimensioned so that their upper edges are horizontal, the height of the inner walls less than that of the outer walls. The walls of each pair are hingedly connected to the base in a manner enabling the outer walls to swing outwardly and the inner walls to swing inwardly. Power operated devices supported by the base are operable to hold the inner walls vertically or to pull them inwardly. A plate is supported by the inner walls in a manner permitting it to be lowered or raised as the inner walls are swung into or out of their operative position.

Abstract: An automobile shelter comprising a housing, the housing including a front portion having an opening therein and being adapted to receive an engine compartment portion of an automobile, a floor portion adapted to receive wheels of the automobile, side portions adapted to extend along either side of the automobile engine compartment, a roof portion adapted to overlie the automobile engine compartment, and a back portion enclosing one end of the housing, and a heat supply source connected to the housing and adapted to raise the ambient temperature of the automobile engine compartment.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for under chassis servicing of vehicles for oil change and lubrication which involves a central cashier's booth with a plurality of service stalls radially disposed. Special self-adjusting ramp track pairs are provided at each service stall to accommodate vehicles with different track widths. The ramp tracks are responsive to the front wheel tires and parallelling mechanism maintains the parallel relationship of the tracks.

Abstract: An automobile shelter is described, intended to house the front engine compartment of the automobile. This shelter is closed by a flexible canvas which surrounds said engine compartment at the rear portion of the latter. Warm air is blown under the oil crank-case, so as to warm not only the crank-case, but also the battery and other various parts situated in the engine compartment. This blown air may be allowed inside the passenger compartment through the automobile ventilating ducts. The shelter may easily be dismantled when not in use. This shelter is useful in warming a car engine and other relevant parts contributing to effectively start the engine, even in very cold weather.

Abstract: A consumable depression rail and water stop for concrete building slabs wherein the rail when positioned forms a level for the concrete as it is poured and also acts as a guide to form a depressed area of the slab. The elongated rail also forms a water stop to prevent water from moving from the depressed area into a building. The rail is generally T shaped in cross-section, and may be cut into small pieces which are used as consumable supports for maintaining the rail in a fixed position.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the extension of a portion of a deck using deck segments, by means of a cable stayed beam resting on a front hinged support and on a rear support.In a first phase, the overhanging segments are suspended from the beam in a manner known per se and the part 5a of the beam which is downstream of the front support 6 is maintained substantially steady. In a second phase, the segments are joined to said portion by producing a prestress accompanied by a progressive swinging movement by said rear part of the beam.This invention is used for the construction of the deck of a bridge.

Abstract: A phosphorescent escape route indicator having at least one protruding indicia formed within or attached to a sheet of material. The protruding indicia has incorporated therewith a phosphorescent substance capable of emitting a glow in the absence of light. An adhesive formed as part of the sheet is utilized to apply the indicator to the surface of walls or stairways thereby aiding in delineating escape routes or access routes to emergency equipment during time of emergency.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation path marking system employing a series of devices, each device having the tactile characteristics of shape and surface contacts, in combination, to indicate direction and distance to the nearest evacuation exit; the shape providing direction information and the surface contacts providing distance information. The devices also being capable of luminescence to aid in visual as well as tactile reference.

Abstract: A prefabricated vehicle maintenance apparatus is disclosed, including a housing having bottom, side and end walls, which housing is adapted for insertion within a pit formed in the ground. A horizontal platform is arranged in the housing for supporting a mechanic beneath a vehicle arranged in straddling relation above the pit, the platform normally having effective width and length dimensions corresponding generally with the spacing distances between the housing side and end walls, respectively. The vehicle maintenance apparatus further includes a platform lifting device for vertically displacing the horizontal platform between upper and lower levels relative to the housing bottom wall, at least one of the effective width and length dimensions of the horizontal platform being variable to define an opening affording access to the portion of the housing bottom wall arranged beneath the platform.

Abstract: A guideway for use for example as an elevated roadway is constructed by forming guideway units comprising a massive elongated metal channel having one or a plurality, usually at least three, tubular metal tension void members running lengthwise down its interior and connected to its inside walls along its entire length. The void forming members are connected to the channel walls via longitudinal web members. Transverse shear connectors may also be provided above the void-forming members. The ends of the channel are closed and after hoisting each unit into position on spaced supports which engage beneath its ends it is filled with settable material, usually concrete, which encloses the tubular members to form a composite structure. The side walls preferably are inclined inward between a bottom sheet and the top vertical portions of the side sheets to give an aesthetic appearance, provide streamlining and reduced unwanted dead weight.

Abstract: A lattice bridge construction system is characterized by the provision of lattice panels (A,B,C) which are of substantially identical length but of different depths relative to one another such that when variously combined one with another, with or without additional reinforcement, trusses having considerably more economic increments of bending strength may be achieved.