Abstract: An Underground Pumped Hydro Storage system may comprise a substrate, a large water-fillable bag, and an overburden causing pressure in the bag. The overburden may have nonuniformities of composition or dimension. Such nonuniformities may locally make overburden more flowable or gentle to the bag, at regions of relatively high shape change or flow during a cycle. Such nonuniformities may help prevent the overburden from freezing up in cold weather, or may enable a controlled progression of bag shapes. The overburden may have an irrigation hose buried in it. The bag edge joint may have any of various features that provide for a transition of local bending and load distribution near the joint between the bag upper and lower layers. An antechamber may be provided for access to the bag interior for robotic inspection or maintenance. The system may be deployed near a dam on a river.

Abstract: For an enclosure including a ground area (2), a spectator area (3) around the ground area and a plurality of bearing points (12) around and above the spectator area, the method of mounting a roof structure comprises: assembling a tension ring (14) at the level of the ground area, the tension ring comprising at least one first cable extending along the tension ring and a plurality of connectors (15) spaced along the tension ring; attaching a plurality of second cables (13) to the plurality of connectors, each second cable having a first end connected to a respective one of the connectors and extending radially and outwardly from the tension ring, each second cable being associated with a respective one of the bearing points (12); and lifting the tension ring by pulling the connectors (15) by the second cables (13).

Abstract: A softcover for an evacuation system may comprise a fabric panel. The fabric panel may define a plurality of apertures located proximate a first end of the first fabric panel. A plurality of straps may extend from a second end of the fabric panel. The straps may be configured to secure the fabric panel to a housing configured to receive an inflatable slide.

Abstract: A foldable panel combination for a modular greenhouse is described. The combination includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a first roof panel, and a second roof panel that are hingedly connected. The combination is transitionable between a collapsed state and an open state. In the collapsed state, the four panels are in a stacked configuration. In the open state, the panels form a sidewall-to-roof-to-roof-to-sidewall structure that can be connected with other panel combinations for linear expansion. Each panel comprises a rectangular frame and a cover for enclosing art open space in the middle of the frame.

Abstract: A device for draining a liquid from a first film layer which forms at least one part of a building cladding element. A first valve element can be arranged in the region of a first opening of the first film layer such that the valve element can be pivoted between a first position, which closes the first opening, and a second position, which at least partly releases the first opening. Additionally, a first opening and closing are configured to keep the first valve element in the first position if pressure of a liquid is less than or equal to a threshold, allow the first valve element to pivot from the first position to the second position if the pressure of the liquid exceeds the threshold, and pivot the first valve element from the second position to the first position if the pressure is substantially no longer present.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a greenhouse having an inflatable and thermal insulation system. The greenhouse includes a lateral frame, a vertical frame, a top cover, an inflatable and thermal insulation system and a plurality of rotary shafts. The vertical frame is arranged at left and right sides. The lateral frame is arranged above and supported by the vertical frame. The top cover is arranged above the lateral frame. The plurality of rotary shafts are provided at both ends of the lateral frame, and at a top end of the vertical frame. The inflatable and thermal insulation system includes an air compressor, a dust collector, a dehydrator, a dryer, a constant-pressure and air-releasing controller, and a thermal insulation quilt which are communicated with each other in this order through a pipeline. The thermal insulation quilt is provided in the lateral frame and the vertical frame. The greenhouse has a simple structure, reduces manufacture cost and maintenance cost.

Abstract: A support structure including a tension-compression element is composed of tension-compression bars that are connected in real joints as well as tension straps that extend from one joint to another. The outermost tension-compression bars are connected in one respective knot. Two pressurized hollow members that are surrounded by a cover are arranged on both sides of a plane that extends through the tension-compression element such that the linear tensions ? generated in the cover preload the tension straps on the plane of the tension-compression element, secure the tension-compression bars against bending, and stabilize the joints. The linear tensioning components that extend perpendicular to said plane of symmetry strut the tension-compression element against lateral bending. Air-tight, optionally elastic pneumatic elements can be inserted into the hollow members.

Abstract: Example inflatable air barriers are disclosed herein. Some example barriers disclosed herein include one or more inflatable tubes for maintaining a sealed airlock leading to an underground shelter. Such shelters provide miners with temporary refuge in the event of a mining incident involving the release of contaminated air. Some example barriers disclosed herein include one or more of the following: an inflatable tube with an air permeable section, a resiliently compressible foam body or other resilient member for supporting a deflated tube, a magnet for providing a secure seal, an inflatable tube with interchangeable end caps, elastic bands for securing the position of an inflatable tube, or an inflatable tube with one or more windows.

Abstract: An emergency refuge system relating to improved occupant access and air revitalization.

Abstract: Disclosed are computer-implemented methods and systems for providing remote access control to residential or office buildings. The disclosed methods allow employing virtual doorman functions in non-doorman buildings. An example method may comprise: receiving a call signal of an intercom station, the call signal comprising a resident identifier which indicates a resident with whom a visitor is trying to communicate, receiving a video stream generated by at least one camera, the video stream comprising one or more images of the visitor, retrieving visitor data associated with the resident identifier, the visitor data comprising one or more visitor profiles, and providing access to the building for the visitor based upon one or more predetermined criteria.

Abstract: An adjustable shade greenhouse device selectively controls light exposure within a greenhouse. The device includes a frame having spaced cross members arching between lateral sides of the frame. Outermost cross members are positioned at respective ends of the frame. Spacers are each coupled to outermost cross members and spaced longitudinal supports are coupled to and extend between associated pairs of the spacers such that each longitudinal support extends along the frame in inwardly spaced relationship to the cross members. An interior cover is supported by the longitudinal supports. A shade has a lower edge coupled to one of the lateral sides of the frame. A transport bar coupled to the frame is selectively movable along the cross members with a top end of the shade wherein the shade is selectively extendable and retractable over the frame by movement of the transport bar.

Abstract: A rapidly-deployable fire shelter is described herein. Specifically, the fire shelter is equipped with one or more actuators that enable the fire shelter to be rapidly deployed thereby providing a quick and effective mechanism for protecting items or people from fire, smoke, and the other fire-related hazards. The fire shelter may include a protective barrier that is extended upon activation of the one or more actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates a refuge used in underground mines, and more particularly to a type of isolated refuge cabin used in underground mines, including the supporting airbag (1), the body shell (2) equipped outside the supporting air bag (1), a breathable air supplier (4) and an air inflation device (3); the air outlet (5) of the air inflation device (3) is linked with an air outlet (7) of the supporting air bag (1) through an air supply passage (6); the air inlet (8) of the breathable air supplier (4) is connected to the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through an air intake passage (9); the air outlet (10) of the breathable air supplier (4) is linked with the lower part of the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through the air outlet passage (11); the breathable air supplier (4) includes a shell (12), the oxygen generating agent (13) equipped inside the shell (12); the emergency exit (14) is installed on the body shell (2).

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel for use in the assembly of a modular hot work habitat so as to form an enclosure to facilitate hot working. The panels comprise a first layer of flexible structural material, and a second layer of flexible fireproof material fixed to the structural layer. A habitat comprising a plurality of interconnected panels is described.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for shelter comprising two sections, a base section and a top section. The base section and the top section have cavities that can be filled with water or are pre-filled with foam. The top section may be cone-shaped or dome-shaped, and is dimensioned to be placed on the base section. After the top section is placed on the base section, the top section can be secured to the base section via bolts. Finally, both the top section and bottom section are divided into sections such that if one section develops a leak the other sections remain unaffected.

Abstract: A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.

Abstract: An inflatable mold assembly for forming a hollow composite construction member that is suitable for use as a building material has a longitudinal axis. The mold assembly further has a flexible, substantially tubular bladder wall defining an elongated inflatable cavity. A reinforcing fabric is positioned concentrically around the flexible bladder wall. A flexible air-impervious outer layer is positioned concentrically around the fabric, with the bladder wall and the outer layer defining an elongated annular space, and with the fabric being positioned within the elongated annular space.

Abstract: A shelter including a support assembly having a plurality of inflatable supports each having an elongated tube body and defining at least two separate longitudinal passages pneumatically separated by a bladder, wherein the tube bodies of each support is connected to the tube body of one or more of the other supports and wherein each of the passages of the each support is pneumatically connected to each of the passages of the other supports, and wherein the supports are spaced circumferentially apart as legs of the support assembly for forming a perimeter of the shelter, and a single port pneumatically coupled to only one of the supports, the port configured for passing air between an external pneumatic vessel and the support to which the port is coupled and a canopy including a plurality of wall panels, the wall panels being configured for being suspended from the support assembly.

Abstract: A transportable workstation suitable for providing a closed environment for spraying a vehicle has a base sheet and a cover sheet connected to the edges of the base sheet and at least partially releasable therefrom. First and second further sheets are provided within the cover sheet and are also releasably connected to the base sheet in order to define first and second end chambers, between which is formed a work chamber. An air blower drives air into the first end chamber and passageways allow the flow of air from the first end chamber into the work chamber and from there into the second end chamber before release to the ambient. A filter is associated with the air flow through the second end chamber to prevent pollutants entering the atmosphere. Closable access openings are provided in the first end chamber, respectively from the exterior and to the work chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel (20) for use in the assembly of a modular hot work habitat (10) so as to form an enclosure to facilitate hot working. The panels (20) comprise a first layer of flexible structural material (22), and a second layer of flexible fireproof material (24) fixed to the structural layer. A habitat (10) comprising a plurality of interconnected panels (20) is described.

Abstract: A mobile environmental containment unit has an upper frame with a sealing surface, a flexible, transparent impermeable envelope with an open top and one or more access openings that depends from the upper frame, and a lower frame that is supported by the envelope. The upper frame of the unit is supported by telescoping support members with the sealing surface of the upper frame and the open top of the envelope fitted against a portion of a ceiling which is accessible by a workman via the one or more access openings and the open top of the envelope.

Abstract: An inflatable enclosure comprises a plurality of modular inflatable wall structures connected to one other, the inflatable wall structures comprising inflatable walls and supporting structures. An inflatable enclosure system comprises a plurality of modular inflatable wall structures, at least one entrance module, and fans connected to the inflatable wall structure of the inflatable enclosure.

Abstract: The inflatable grain storage apparatus provides a truly portable inflatable and collapsible structure. The apparatus structure is fully integral. The apparatus is importantly bi-inflatable, whereby the reversible air pump air delivery and removal is via a Y with valve that provides for filling and emptying the spine and straight supports and also the structure interior separately or cumulatively. This hastens filling and ensures proper filling of the spine and straight supports without potential kinking or delays. The floor is importantly reinforced with bi-directional straps and is comprised of heavier material than are the above moisture and material proof components.

Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber system includes a soft-sided, foldable hyperbaric chamber and a substantially rigid, removable, external support structure. The chamber generally includes a wall of a substantially non-breathable, soft-sided, and foldable material and an accessway sealable with a non-breathable closure so as to maintain a hyperbaric pressure within the chamber. The chamber also includes at least one fastener, such as a bolt or threaded stud, extending from the wall that permits the chamber to be removably attached to the support structure, thereby to maintain the chamber in an uncollapsed state when the chamber interior is not maintained at a hyperbaric pressure. The support structure includes structures complementary to the fasteners (e.g., apertures to pass bolts and locking knobs to secure bolts).

Abstract: An inflatable structure comprises at least two generally toroidal, inflatable modules. When in a deployed mode, the first, inner module has a major diameter less than that of a second, outer module and is positioned within the inner circumference of the outer module such that the first module is nested circumferentially alongside the second module. The inflatable structure, in a non-deployed, non-inflated mode, is of compact configuration and adapted to be transported to a site of deployment. When deployed, the inflatable structure is of substantially increased interior volume. In one embodiment, access between the interior of the first module and the second module is provided by at least one port or structural pass-through. In another embodiment, the inflatable structure includes at least one additional generally toroidal module external of and circumferentially surrounding the second module.

Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.

Abstract: The present invention relates a refuge used in underground mines, and more particularly to a type of isolated refuge cabin used in underground mines, including the supporting airbag (1), the body shell (2) equipped outside the supporting air bag (1), a breathable air supplier (4) and an air inflation device (3); the air outlet (5) of the air inflation device (3) is linked with an air outlet (7) of the supporting air bag (1) through an air supply passage(6); the air inlet (8) of the breathable air supplier (4) is connected to the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through an air intake passage (9); the air outlet (10) of the breathable air supplier (4) is linked with the lower part of the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through the air outlet passage(11); the breathable air supplier (4) includes a shell (12), the oxygen generating agent (13) equipped inside the shell (12); the emergency exit (14) is installed on the body shell (2).

Abstract: Barriers and methods of obstructing apertures. One embodiment provides a temporary barrier that includes a bag, a fluid source, and a shear thickening fluid. The bag is made of fabric and can expand (e.g. inflate) via the fluid source which is in communication with the bag. The shear thickening fluid permeates the fabric of the bag and has two states. In the first state the shear thickening fluid allows the fabric to be flexible. In the second state the shear thickening fluid causes the fabric to be inflexible. To cause the shear thickening fluid to transition to the second state a shear must be present in the shear thickening fluid. A material that is capable of reacting to form a gas may be in communication with the fluid source to provide a gas to expand the bag. A deflation valve may also be included in the barrier.

Abstract: A mobile building module comprises rigid load-bearing surface elements and one or more inflatable flexible surface elements connected therewith. In the transport condition, several of the load-bearing rigid surface elements are disposed to form a parallelepiped container having a floor and surrounding rigid walls for accommodating the inflatable flexible surface elements, with the height of the container being lower than the height of the building. A building, which is assembled of several partial modules, which are constructed according to the above-mentioned principles, is also an object of the invention.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle shelter designed for women, senior citizens, and/or individuals with limited disabilities in mind; including an inflatable unit configured for nested engagement with a vehicle for covering the vehicle's upper and outer surfaces. The unit may be inflated by a remotely activated inflation unit. Provision is made in the unit member to allow a vehicle operator to reenter the vehicle for shelter from inclement weather.

Abstract: A backpack (160) with an air frame (162). The backpack includes a storage compartment, an air frame (162), and at least one strap (168) for securing the bag to a person. The air frame (162) includes an air bladder, which stiffens as it is inflated. The air frame (162) may include portions that are individually inflatable, and a pump (26) may be included for inflating the air frame (162). The backpack (160) may include inflatable portions (22) designed to provide support to specific portions of a user's body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this invention disclose an inflatable bounce house with an animated display.

Abstract: An inflatable tent includes an inflatable main body having a tent floor, an inner tent wall, an outer tent wall, and a tent roof, the inner and outer tent walls together defining an inflatable space therebetween and constituting a tent wall, and the tent floor, the inner tent wall, and the tent roof together enclosing a interior space. An inflation valve is provided on the outer tent wall, so that air is supplied into the inflatable space via the inflation valve. The inflatable tent also includes at least one entrance formed on the tent wall, a bathroom arranged in the interior space at a selected position, and a utility cabinet located outside the inflatable main body and including at least one water tank, which communicates with the bathroom via an inlet pipeline and a drain pipeline.

Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.

Abstract: An erectable play structure for children including one or more enclosures or pods (10, 11, 12) which may be interconnected by one or more access tunnels (14) the whole structure being formed predominantly from a non-self supporting material thus to be collapsible for storage and adapted to be connected to an air pump (18) whereby the internal pressure within the structure may be slightly in excess of ambient pressure thus to maintain the structure in an erect condition. One or more access ports (15, 16) and/or blanking plates (17) may be provided in each enclosure to allow or prevent access to or exit from the enclosure. The access ports (16) are constructed such that after passage there through they resume a closed condition to resist escape of air therethrough. Hook and loop fasteners or the like are used to attach the enclosures, tunnels and access ports together in assembly of the structure.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and devices for installing thermal barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. At least one thermal barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to mold a barrier in the hole or gap.

Abstract: The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided.

Abstract: A system and related method for protecting a building frame from fire and heat to avoid catastrophic collapse, comprises a plurality of vertical structural members comprising substantially vacant interiors thereof; a plurality of horizontal structural members comprising substantially vacant interiors thereof; a plurality of attachments between ends of the horizontal structural members and side faces of the vertical structural members enabling a coolant to flow between the interiors of the vertical structural members and the interiors of the horizontal structural members; a plurality of coolant pumps for pumping the coolant into the vertical structural members; a plurality of heat release valves for emitting the coolant from the interiors of the vertical structural members and the interiors of the horizontal structural members when a temperature of the coolant reaches a predetermined temperature threshold.

Abstract: A tent is provided with an inflatable support structure having a manually operated inflation pump associated with the inflatable support structure and the tent. The pump is fixedly attached to the tent such that the tent and the pump form a single, integrated unit. The pump is preferably movable between a storage position and a use position. While in the storage position, the pump is also preferably is hidden or camouflaged by the tent environment. The tent structure may also be enhanced with sound capabilities for increasing enjoyment and use of the tent.

Abstract: In the present invention an inflatable tent comprising a pliable base is connected to a pliable shell. An inflatable support rib is connected to the pliable shell, and a support frame is connected to the pliable shell.

Abstract: This invention comprises an inflatable structure that is constructed by combining polyhedron structural elements to form more complex geodesic structures. The structural elements are constructed out of straight inflatable tubes, in which the warp of the polyester reinforced fabric is aligned with the principal tube axis, giving it high resistance to bending. The complementary leg ends are connected at the vertices with connectors that comprise a slider and track formation, fixed along the axial angle at the end of each leg. Each leg end is shaped along the natural complimentary lines along the intersecting surfaces of the adjacent structural element. Once assembled, in combination with a fabric cover and groundsheet, the tent is stable and completely freestanding.

Abstract: An inflatable object includes interior attachment points to opposing interior faces of the object and rope or cord connections between these attachment points. The opposing walls have interior faces which include attachment points adapted to be connected together by predetermined lengths of material, the arrangement being such that upon inflation of the device, the walls are held in position relative to one another by the lengths of material. The connection material between the inner and outer panels is a flexible cord-like material. However any appropriate material may be used. The attachment points are located on webbing strips attached to the interior face of each wall at a seam, provided with eyelets. In the preferred embodiment, the cords are maintained at an angle substantially or averaging substantially 90 degrees from the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A modulator transportable collective protection system for the decontamination and containment of personnel in a toxic free area. A contamination containment area is provided through which personnel are decontaminated prior to entering the toxic free area. The migration of contaminants is prevented by causing a purge of clean filtered air from the toxic free area to the contamination control area and to the exterior environment. A blower and filter unit provides air to the toxic free area to maintain an over pressure therein, ensuring that all entry to the toxic free area is through a flow of clean air.

Abstract: A gate arrangement for closure of a passageway between rooms with markedly different temperatures, such as the passageway of a freezer-room. Two door curtains are arranged parallel to one another, with each being capable of closing the passageway independently of the other. The door curtains have an abutting insulating air buffer between them, wherein at least one of the door curtains can be motor-driven at such a speed that it is suitable as a temporary high-speed closure between successive passages or transits therethrough. The two door curtains together with the insulating air buffer develop the insulation effect required to maintain the desired cooling temperature. Thus, frequent stocking of the room is possible while compromise of the climate in such rooms during stocking operations is kept to the minimum possible.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sleeping berth for space modules that can be expanded from a collapsed position to provide greater passenger comfort in a larger living space. The extension of the berth is accomplished using expandable gas inflated bellows between two hard surface housings. The berth can be retracted into its closed position simply by removing the air pressure from the bellows. The berth's retracted position may still accommodate a passenger and may be used in this position when space is unavailable for the berth's extension.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable protective enclosure is constructed from a flexible membrane surrounding a framework of inflatable support members each individually coupled to a central fluid distribution system. Each inflatable support member is individually repairable or replaceable from within the enclosure without effecting the structural integrity of the remaining framework. A system is provided to make the enclosure air tight along interlocking tongue and groove tracks, and an air tight passage between modularly connected enclosures is also provided.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a canopy which can be inflated, deployed and retracted, respectively, having a plurality of longitudinal inflatable beams arranged side by side, a device for supplying the inflatable beams with pressurized fluid, and a device for the foundation or ballasting of the canopy. Each of the inflatable beams is formed by a tubular envelope which is closed at its two ends by a mechanical leaktight confinement device.

Abstract: Dome-type apparatus formed largely of flexible sheeting, with a fan or blower means inflatable to provide a chamber large enough to accommodate one or more human beings. The apparatus is also provided to be usable by just the fan or blower means without the dome member, so as to provide utility on occasions in which the dome member is not to be used.