Abstract: A building includes a base structure and a roof secured to the base structure. The roof structure includes a first planar portion extending from a peak to a first terminal end of the roof and pitched at a first angle relative to a horizontal axis, a second planar portion extending from the peak to a joining region and pitched at a second angle, relative to the horizontal axis, that is optimized for insolation of the second planar portion at a geographical latitude of the building and that is different than the first angle and less than about 90 degrees. The roof structure also includes a third planar portion extending from the joining region to a second terminal end of the roof and pitched at a third angle relative to the horizontal axis, and a solar collector positioned on the second planar portion.

Abstract: The construction kit consisting of wall elements and connectors to be inserted therebetween is designed in order to erect room dividers. The wall elements are produced by compressing fiber material and have at least one connecting flank which is systematically provided with contours. The connectors are designed as a profiled rail on which there is at least one connection which has systematically arranged mating contours. The contours on the wall elements can be brought into form-fitting engagement with the mating contours on the connectors. The fiber material used for producing the wall elements is a compressed polyester nonwoven fabric or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. The connector is an extruded profile, preferably made of aluminum. The construction kit essentially comprises rectilinear wall elements, differently curved wall elements and a three-winged wall element with three connecting flanks.

Abstract: A modular methane digester facility includes prefabricated portable concrete panels and a flexible membrane roof sealing an interior space of the methane digester. A separator-conveyor dewatering device, integratable into the front end of the methane digester facility, separates a semi-solid liquid manure into a liquid portion and a solid portion. A method of dual-stage methane digestion includes stacking a solid stage in a methane digester and supplying a liquid stage to the top of the solid stage. The liquid stage percolates by gravity through the solid stage, the solid stage acts as a filter for the liquid stage, and the liquid stage acts as a methanogenic buffer for the solid stage. A method of pre-heating a mass of solids in a methane digester to a mesophilic temperature includes supplying oxygen to the mass of solids in the form of ambient air supplied to the methane digester by a reverse-air pump.

Abstract: A portable shelter is configured to be quickly and easily deployed and configured for use as a temporary shelter, such as during disaster situations. In one embodiment, the shelter includes an elongate body having a first and second body portions, the first and second body portions are configured to be folded according to different first and second folding pattern. The elongate body is collapsible and expandable between a first, expanded configuration and a second, collapsed configuration. The elongate body has a longitudinal length extending from the elongate body's first end to its second, opposite end. In the first, expanded configuration the second body is substantially flat along the longitudinal length and the first body defines a substantially c-shaped cavity that extends along the longitudinal length. In the second, collapsed configuration the second body is folded and compressed along the longitudinal length such that the second body extends into the c-shaped cavity.

Abstract: A wall structure, which may be in the form of a prefabricated unit, provides privacy for an enclosure while also enabling good ventilation. It comprises a planar array of angularly oriented, parallel slats that overlap one another as viewed in a direction generally normal to the plane. The slats are attached to support structure by brackets that are identical to one another.

Abstract: A skylight to be integrated in a covering structure made of insulated sheets comprises at least one top fretted panel (20) extruded in plastic material and at least one bottom alveolar panel (30) extruded in plastic material, firmly integrally joined by interposing a continuous or discontinuous layer, of adhesive material (40), wherein the layer of adhesive material (40) is prearranged on at least one of the top (20) and bottom (30) panels on a surface facing the opposite panel. A method for producing the skylight to be integrated in a covering structure with insulated panels is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A photovoltaic plant includes a plurality of longitudinal solar panels, a plurality of longitudinal reflector sheets, and a plurality of bending-resistant clamping strips. The plurality of longitudinal solar panels are disposed with mounting rails on a substantially horizontally orientated flat substrate at a predetermined angle and in parallel rows with a predetermined spacing to one another. The plurality of longitudinal reflector sheets are arranged between the rows of the solar panels. The clamping strips are disposed in a spaced vertical arrangement between the mounting rails on a back of the solar panels. Each of the clamping strips are configured to connect an upper edge of a respective one of the solar panels to an upper edge of an adjacent first reflector sheet of the reflector sheets and a lower edge of the respective solar panel to a lower edge of an adjacent second reflector sheet of the reflector sheet.

Abstract: A retractable roof structure for crop protection includes pitch sections of roof defined by a retractable membrane. The membrane is moved by cables connected to a drive tube with a spring regulate minimum tension of the cable. The drive system ensures that the membrane adjacent to the drive tube is able to travel the same distance as the second membrane from the drive tube. The rafter contains profiles to allow the stationary end of said membrane to be attached continuously to the rafters to provide a water tight connection. The rafter also contains clips which inhibit vertical, lateral and horizontal movement of the guide wires used to suspend the membrane. The guide wires are supported by flexible cables or rods. A secondary clear membrane is installed below a white upper retractable membrane.

Abstract: Greenhouse construction consisting of a number of rooves with supporting members, such as longitudinal beams, ridges and gutters. These supporting members are provided with rails for moving a carriage or the like over them. The rails and supporting members provide each other with structural strength so that a relatively slim construction with no or hardly any restriction in the light level in the greenhouse construction occurs.

Abstract: An electricity transformer station having a foundation and a housing on top of the foundation, the housing comprising walls and a roof. The housing comprises a plurality of identical modules assembled in a row along a longitudinal axis of the housing, each of the modules having two side walls and a roof section connecting the side walls.

Abstract: A snow guard and snow guard cover are provided which allow the cover to be attached to the snow guard to conceal the snow guard from view. The cover allows the snow guard to better match the finish of the roof, and protects the snow guard from sunlight.

Abstract: A shelter of the type having collapsed and expanded configurations. In one of several example embodiments, the expanded configuration includes a tunnel-shaped portion forming a pair of opposing side walls and a roof section. The roof section has a peak positioned above the side walls and the tunnel-shaped portion may include opposing ends with a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, each opening capable of accommodating an end wall. A first sheet is foldable along at least first and second crease lines to define the walls and roof section, the walls having an upper separation distance between the first and second crease lines when the shelter is expanded. The first sheet is segmented into panels with pairs of adjoining panels forming pleats each having a vertex extending from a crease line to an adjoining footing flap, the walls having a lower separation distance between footing flaps on different walls when the shelter is expanded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reinforced vertical multi-sided monopole tower for supporting equipment including a multi-sided monopole, a plurality of holes on three equally spaced sides of the multi-sided monopole tower and tower reinforcement apparatus mounted to the holes. The tower reinforcement apparatus includes bolts supporting a first flat bar and a second flat bar on each side of the tower. The upper end of the first flat bar abuts a lower end of the second bar and a plate is bolted over adjacent ends connecting the first and second flat bar such that the first and second flat bars are sandwiched between the plate and a side of the perimeter of the monopole.

Abstract: A building module for housing purposes comprises a rigid, rectangular, three-dimensional truss formed with four steel end columns and steel beams extending between the columns. Each module includes a floor panel extending between the four end columns, wall panels, and a roof panel extending from two of the end columns, parallel to the forward column and terminating a spaced distance from the two end columns. A first rectangular folding panel has one end hingedly attached to the edge of the roof panel termination and a second rectangular folding panel, larger than the first rectangular folding panel, has one end hingedly supported between the two end columns. The first and second rectangular folding panels may be folded into positions parallel to their roof panel with their edges overlapping to form a compact module.

Abstract: A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.

Abstract: A building with a roof having a wind deflection system. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A roof construction has a primary ridge member with a king post depending from the ridge member. A pair of secondary ridge members are secured in sockets in the king post at different heights.

Abstract: A patio-style roof system and method. The roof system utilizes a trusses, to which are coupled a plurality of louver panels. To facilitate such coupling, the trusses may have notched louver panel supports, to which the louver panels may be attached in a preferably tools-free manner. The trusses may be coupled to a structure utilizing upper and lower truss attachment brackets.

Abstract: A bang-bang servo system controls motors which provide drive for trucks on each end of a fabric support beam structure. A plurality of such truck/beam/fabric units comprise a retractable roof Separation of inner and outer truck guiding tracks/support platforms may be wide and somewhat variable. The radius of curvature of the inner and outer tracks may vary widely over the beam excursion path between open and closed roof conditions. Individual beam motion sequencing and stop position are commanded through a central control unit. These features allow great flexibility and adaptability in application of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a watertight sub-floor system for balcony or roof, in the form of a semi-rigid rollable plank of corrugated polymeric type installed in juxtaposition to form a waterproof flooring between boards and beams. Under-plank are unwrapped and cut at a desired length to avoid transverse junction with respect to water flow. Under-planks overlap parallel to water flow without loss of sealing. The corrugated under-plank has a design of crests and dips, crests widened and sloping to make possible the receiving of screws from deck board, thereby permitting the descent of water trickling from around the damaging screwing of the under-plank, and dips which bear no perforations from screwing and merely allow water to run off to protect wood structures of patios, balconies or terraces against moisture causing premature rot and to protect objects (bike, mowers . . . ) under a deck.

Abstract: A sheet structure includes a pair of corrugated sheets formed in a zigzag pattern, the pair comprising an upper sheet and a lower sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the pair of corrugated sheets further includes a flat portion disposed at selected intervals between individual zigzags. The flat portions of the upper sheet are aligned with corresponding flat portions of the lower sheet so as to maintain the upper and lower sheets in a double wall configuration.

Abstract: The invention is the method of preparing macromer for use in making ophthalmic lenses comprising combining two or more monomers and using a macromer-forming catalyst, wherein the macromer-forming catalyst comprises triethylamine or bismuth.

Abstract: Greenhouse (1) provided with a roof element (2) having a multiplicity of transverse ribs (12, 13, 14, 15) or pyramids uniformly distributed over the roof element. The roof element can be constructed double-walled as a hollow-core sheet from transparent plastic and can comprise a base sheet with the rib-shaped or pyramid-shaped roof surfaces fixed thereon. The light yield in a horticultural greenhouse can be increased by the roof elements.

Abstract: The covering system includes at least one panel capable of being placed in an inclined position with respect to a horizontal. The panel incudes an inner chamber, a plurality of suction apertures through which the inner chamber communicates with a void inside of a building, and a discharge aperture disposed at a level higher than the suction apertures when the panel is installed.

Abstract: The inflatable heat and sun reflecting screen 10 takes advantage of heat reflecting metallic foil in reducing the overall temperature in conservatories 18 during the summer months.

Abstract: A roof support with an integral gutter including a roof support, a panel joint cover, and a gutter for a small storage or utility building or shed having a shallow-pitched roof. In particular, the roof support with integral gutter includes a support web, an exposure surface perpendicularly bisecting the support web, and a collector perpendicularly bisecting the support web opposite the exposure surface. The roof support with integral gutter is made by the pultrusion process, which eliminates the need for additional and separate components to provide rigidity and strength to the roof support.

Abstract: A split-sphere observatory enclosure includes an antrum and a rotor including an oculus. The oculus is covered by an oculus window, which is rotatably mounted to the rotor. As an instrument housed by the enclosure moves to track an object or point across the sky, the oculus window is rotated to maintain a fixed orientation with respect to the instrument.

Abstract: A protective canopy constructed to discharge snow from the cover. A plurality of posts support cables on which a flexible cover is supported. A sleeve formed on the eave edge of the cover is provided with a pipe at each seam between adjacent panels of the cover. Elongated rods extend in the sleeve between the pipes. The rods normally provide a straight horizontal eave. If snow builds up unduly on the cover, the rods can bow downwardly so that chutes are formed to allow the snow to slide off. Clamp brackets are fitted around the pipes and pulled to pull the cover taut before being clamped to the cables to secure the cover in a taut condition.

Abstract: A roof assembly for a hipped conservatory roof has a ridge end member and glazing bars mounted thereon via connectors, each connector having a first part mounted on the ridge end member and having a top surface and a second part connected to a glazing bar, wherein the top surface of the first part of the connector is channeled to provide a drainage passage from the connector to the glazing bar.

Abstract: A cable braced, open air chapel or meeting hall is formed from a series of cables interconnected to each other in countertension to provide a rigid structural support to provide basic definition for the building structure. One set of cables is preferably tensioned through weights or spring assemblies imparting tension in the downward direction in turn transmitted to the second set of cables in countertension. The second set of cables may extend upwardly in a curved configuration for connection to the upper end of a support tower. The cables slidably pass through the tower through a series of passageways formed in a honeycomb-like mounting structure enabling the back ends of the cables to be anchored to the ground in a spread, fan-like configuration. The weighted or spring tensioned ends of the first cables and the ability of the second cables to pass slidably through the tower support enable the cabled arrangement to breathe as a result of thermally induced expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: A prefabricated tile for covering building roofings comprises a plurality of side-by-side light diffusion sites (13) defined by openings (15) provided through a lower flat slab (11) of said tile. From said lower flat slab (11) mutually opposite side walls (12) extend upwards with decreasing height from the middle to the ends of said tile, wherein through said side walls (12) openings (14) are provided to make the whole structure lighter and allow service equipment to run through.

Abstract: A greenhouse roof structure for the usual rectangular in plan greenhouse comprises at least two rectangular roof panels each having a lower edge hinged to the structure for movement about a respective horizontal hinge axis. The roof panels are movable about their hinge axes between a fully closed position in which their upper edges meet to form a roof peak, and a fully open position in which they extend generally vertically at least approximately parallel to one another for the greenhouse space to be upwardly fully open to the ambient atmosphere, as is needed for example to "harden" new plants before they are exposed to the harsher ambient conditions outside the greenhouse. Preferably trusses extend transversely between the two outer side walls, support members are carried by the trusses, and transversely extending upwardly convex arch members are each connected at its ends to respective support members to connect them against the forces, such as wind forces, applied by the roof panels.

Abstract: A roofing system for industrial buildings is based on a plurality of self-supporting tiles (10), prefabricated from reinforced concrete, having a generally "V"-shaped cross-section, wherein the wings (11) of the "V"-shaped cross-section extend from a longitudinal channel (14) designed to collect rain water, and in which the tile (10) ends, at its opposite ends, with respective closure heads (12) each of which is provided with a support block (15), which is designed to rest on a supporting carrier beam (16). The support block (15) is furthermore provided with protruding parts (18) designed to support the corresponding block (15) of a superimposed identical tile (10), with between pairs of tiles (10) skylight-roofing beam members and shed-roofing beam members being intercalated.

Abstract: A drive under new automotive hail protection roof hip-and-valley cable-tension type canopy is formed by a rectangular grid pattern of rigid post assemblies joined at their upper ends by longitudinally, transversely and diagonally extending cables forming a coextensive fabric roof support.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: A roof structure to protect a crop growing area includes a retractable roof membrane or curtain that defines pitched sections of the roof. The membrane extends across the valley between pitched sections and apertures are provided in the membrane to allow water to pass through the membrane. A gutter is disposed in the valley beneath the apertures to collect water and discharge it away from the crop growing area.

Abstract: A light-transmissive decking section for use in a decking assembly for supporting a user while allowing the user to receive light through the decking assembly. The light-transmissive decking section is provided with a light-transmissive top section. The transmissive properties of the light-transmissive decking section increase the aesthetic appeal of the decking assembly and allow the light to be used below the decking assembly for illumination and heat. The light-transmissive decking section may also be provided with a light or a solar panel to alternatively emanate light or generate power from ambient light.

Abstract: A construction element for a noise-suppression shed of the type used for ground-testing jet engine aircraft. These sheds usually have transversely extending continuous apertures for the admission of fresh air, the inner face of the shed's roof being provided with spaced liners of a sound-absorbing material defining flowpaths for fresh air entering the interior of the shed. The element comprises a cover panel element carried by a mounting structure and having a stepped profile configuration in the longitudinal direction of the shed, and mutually spaced first and second elements of a sound-absorbing material. The arrangement of a plurality of construction elements in rows extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions and interconnection of the respective mounting structures results in the formation of continuous air inlet gaps extending over the full width of the roof and passing between the sound-absorbing liners.

Abstract: The vertical reflective enclosure, containing a double-pane bay window panels, with movable inserts between the panes, which function as shading devices, and a light reflective panels directly extending above the bay window panels at top portion, intended to channel the sunlight and an outside view from the translucent roof membrane to the exterior wall installed transparent mirror window. This enclosure, in the form of a bay shaft configuration adapted for positioning around such window, is attached at the upper end around the translucent roof membrane and at the bottom and terminated below the wall window.

Abstract: In a domed support structure, especially for roof construction, a compression dome is arched in lengthwise direction in a catenary configuration. A tension dome is further arranged either side by side or below the compression dome and is also arched in lengthwise direction in a catenary configuration. The compression and the tension domes are provided with a compression sheating and a tension sheating, respectively. The compression sheating is formed to have a high buckling strength. To this end the compression sheating is arched also in a direction transverse to said lengthwise direction. The arched shape is defined and maintained by corresponding transverse beams which function as stiffening or shaping elements but do not support any load caused by the own weight of the sheating. Such forces are transmitted by the sheating itself directly onto the bearings of the structure at its lengthwise ends.

Abstract: A solar corrugation with shield, which is a stationary device with no moving parts, controls the transmission of solar radiant energy on a supply and demand relationship throughout the seasons of the year.The corrugation has a ninety degree, or thereabouts, angle between its two planar sides, or panes, with one pane being exposed to and the other pane being protected from solar radiant energy.The corrugation is composed of a material transparent to solar radiant energy.The shield is a planar plate, or shield, so positioned to protect the protected pane of the corrugation. The shield, in its position, is separated from the protected pane of the corrugation by an air space.The shield is composed of a material opaque to and absorbent of solar radiant energy.

Abstract: A self-ventilating greenhouse and frame therefor. The frame comprises a series of aligned sideposts connected to a series of partially overlapping frame members which support a translucent roof. The frame members are hingedly joined by a series of cross-members which guide the frame members as the roof is opened and closed by means of a worm gear or a rack and pinion.

Abstract: Construction for roof of greenhouse consisting of triangular glazed panels are hinged together and removable to provide a sawtooth construction when assembled and placed over a rectangular base.

Abstract: A roof construction has a substantially flat, horizontal substrate, which may be of insulating material, having mounted thereon at least one structure having an inclined surface. A membrane of water-impervious material extends over the substrate and over the structure. The portion of the membrane covering the inclined surface of the structure has photocells thereon, the inclination and orientation of the inclined surface being selected for maximum radiation reception from the sun. The structure may be of generally triangular shape, is thermally insulating, and a plurality of parallel structures may be provided, with photocells on parallel, inclined surfaces. The structures may have additional surfaces which are opposite and facing the first mentioned surface of an adjacent structure, which additional surface or surfaces is provided with a reflective film for reflecting radiation into the photocells of the adjacent structure.

Abstract: Construction for roof of greenhouse consisting of triangular glazed panels are hinged together and removable to provide a sawtooth construction when assembled and placed over a rectangular base.

Abstract: A kit of components a structure consists of a basic element (3) consisting, in the form of a hollow structural section like a cellular space with a rectangular cross-section, of two parallel side walls (1a) and of a floor slab (1b) and roof slab (1c), leaving two openings (3b), of a two-part folding door (6) that can be set into one of the two opening to constitute a front element, that can be fitted against each vertical side of the opening, and that consists at least partly of light-permeable material, each part of which has at least two wings that can be swung around axes parallel to the vertical front side, whereby the folding door (6) does not when it is open and folded back toward the two vertical front sides extend into the interior of the cellular space.

Abstract: The invention concerns agriculture. It relates in particular to an agricultural greenhouse which comprises a metallic frame supporting transparent covering elements, wherein said covering elements are formed of panels made of transparent plastic material mounted flatwise and having undulations which are parallel to the metallic frame members, said undulations each having two asymmetrical slopes, with the greater slope being directed southward, the angle .alpha. between the greater slope and the horizontal being about 25.degree. to 35.degree., and the angle .beta. between the smaller slope of each undulation and the horizontal being about 55.degree. to 65.degree., and at least one of said covering elements being mounted pivotally around a horizontal axis at its free edge directed southward, with control means being provided for causing said panel or panels of the movable covering to pivot at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: In a domed support framework tension domes and the compression domes are arranged side-by-side, neighboring domes thereby being arched oppositely with respect to one another. The tension domes and compression domes are carried by common intermediate supports and outer supports. Transversely to the doming direction continuous tension elements are spanned between the outer supports, extending in a funicular polygon or in a catenary configuration alternatingly through the tension domes and longitudinal extensions of the compression domes and being guided over the intermediate supports. Each tension element is frictionally connected with reinforcement ribs of the compression domes and with roof from elements of the tensions domes. The tension elements cause deflection forces which in each dome compensate for the opposed arch pressure forces. Thereby a horizontal force balance between neighboring tension and compression domes is achieved by simultaneously transmitting the vertical forces to the supports.

Abstract: A drive under new automotive hail protection roof hip-and-valley cable-tension type canopy is formed by a rectangular grid pattern of rigid post assemblies joined at their upper ends by longitudinally, transversely and diagonally extending cables forming a coextensive fabric roof support.