Abstract: A formwork for providing a plinth with concrete frame and with exposed horizontal reinforcing bars, is disclosed. The framework has a base the shape of which in plan view corresponds to the concrete frame. Each side of the base is provided with inner and outer lateral containment walls which extend vertically from the base to make a casting chamber for the concrete. The inner walls have a plurality of openings for the insertion from above of a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing bars. At least one of the outer walls is provided with a plurality of openings for the insertion by transverse sliding of a plurality of transverse reinforcing bars. The openings are provided with inflatable elements which are configured to transition from a deflated configuration, in which the bars can freely slide in the openings, to an inflated configuration, in which the bars are locked in position. The chamber is watertight in order to prevent concrete from coming out during casting.

Abstract: A baffle pipe segment (1) as obstacle in a flow of a target liquid through the baffle pipe segment (1), comprising a baffle element (3) arranged in the path of the target liquid, wherein a slit (14) for passage of the target liquid is formed between a segment hull (8) of the baffle pipe segment (1) and the baffle element (3). The baffle element (3) comprises at least one first positive curvature (3a) towards the input side. The slit (14) is delimited by an inner wall (14a) and an outer wall (14b), wherein the inner wall (14a) is formed by a wall section of the baffle element (3) and the outer wall (14b) of the slit (14) is formed by a section of the segment hull (8). The slit (14) extends in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis (z) along a section of the circumference of the segment hull (8). And an injector device (7) with such a baffle pipe segment (1) and a dissolving installation (50) with such an injector device (7).

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: An improved corbel includes a first tier having first blocks and a second tier having second blocks. Each of the first blocks includes a first aperture extending through the block from a first surface to a back surface and a second aperture formed through a top surface of the block, extending into the first aperture. The first blocks are arranged on a substantially planar surface to align the respective first apertures to define a first passageway. Each of the second blocks includes a third aperture extending through the second block from a top surface to a bottom surface. The second blocks are disposed above the first tier to align the third aperture of each of the second blocks with the second aperture of the first blocks to form a second passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conduit drain for removing liquid condensation in a vertical conduit. Moisture flows down the interior walls of the conduit and collects in a collection lip in the conduit drain. A drain channel is produced around the inner circumference of the conduit drain by the collection lip. The moisture collects within the drain channel and is drawn off into a drain port that is coupled to a drain pipe.

Abstract: A protective wall system enclosing a danger zone around an alternator includes a front wall disposed at a front end of the wall system; a back wall disposed at a back end of the wall system; and a first side wall and a second side wall connecting the front wall and the back wall, wherein the front and the back wall extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the alternator, and wherein the front wall, the back wall and the first and second side walls are gas-tight. The wall system further includes a gas-tight bottom; a first casing enclosing a rotor and a stator of the alternator, wherein a service area surrounds the first casing; and at least one air guiding device configured to guide at least one of gas and heat from a bottom part of the alternator to an upper part of the alternator.

Abstract: A floating solar chimney includes several parts, e.g., the Main Chimney, the Heavy Base, and the Folding Lower Part. The main chimney includes cylindrical balloon rings full of non flammable light gas. The cylindrical balloon rings are tied with the help of supporting rings so that together they form one or more compact units of the main chimney. The compact parts of the main chimney are fastened on the heavy base. The successive compact parts are separated by separating rings filled with environmental air that can go in and out of the separating rings, so that the dynamic independence of the successive compact parts is ensured. The main chimney, which can float, is configured to sit on a chimney seat, and is connected to the heavy base. The lower part of the heavy base is fastened to the folding lower part. The air can enter and come out freely from the rings of folding lower part in order to enable the floating solar chimney to achieve any suitable decline as dictated by the exterior winds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating firestopping barrier in a partition, such as a wall, floor, or ceiling, that is mounted adjacent the opening includes a housing containing a central opening. The cross-sectional area of the housing is greater than the cross-sectional area of the through-penetration opening, and the housing is arranged external to the through-penetration opening with at least a portion thereof extending along a surface of the partition thereby to allow the housing to be installed adjacent the through-penetration opening. Firestop material is arranged within the housing.

Abstract: A system and/or method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in vehicle exhaust, and more particularly to a non-contact, extractive sampling system and method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in exhaust emissions of commercial and/or heavy-duty vehicles that emit exhaust at an elevated level, under actual operating conditions.

Abstract: To flash a hot gas vent pipe, representatively a chimney pipe, extending upwardly through a roof opening, a tubular sleeve having vertically extending spacer members interiorly secured thereto, with upper ends projecting above the upper sleeve end, is concentrically placed around the chimney pipe and anchored to the roof. A rubber boot is then placed around the sleeve and secured to the roof. Finally, a storm collar is downwardly telescoped onto the chimney pipe and rests on the upper end of the sleeve spacer members. Vertical cooling passages are defined between adjacent spacer member pairs, and through their interiors, and have upper exit portions communicating with the storm collar interior.

Abstract: A venting apparatus includes a projecting member with a projection base, and a mating socket member with a socket base, and first and second ducts in fluid communication with an appliance to vent emissions along an emission flow path. The projection base engages a first one, and the socket base engages a respective other one, of the first and second ducts. The projecting and socket members have default configurations. The projecting member is movable from the default configuration towards a deflected configuration, and biased for return therefrom. The first and second ducts are movable between sliding and locked configurations. In the sliding configuration, the projecting and socket members bear against one another, with the projecting member removed from the default configuration. In the locked configuration, the projecting member is in the default configuration, and secured to the socket member, such that the second duct securely engages the first duct.

Abstract: The fireplace and chimney is provided made of specially formed stacked modular concrete units laid with several modular concrete masonry units in horizontal masonry courses, and specifically designed so a traditional clay flue liner may be inserted into the modular chimney as it is being erected. The sections making up the fireplace and chimney are the firebox, the damper level, the structural shelf level, the tapered smoke chamber level, and the chimney to form a naturally drafted masonry fireplace assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing cracks, crevices, joints, and other discontinuities in a chimney flue liner, comprises a flexible, resilient applicator having a liquid impervious rubberized coating. An electrical vibrator is installed within the applicator, for tamping the mortar or grout material into any discontinuities in the flue liner. A method of using the apparatus is also disclosed, comprising drawing the applicator downwardly through the flue from top to bottom, connecting the vibrator to a suitable source of electrical power, placing the applicator at the bottom end of the flue, pouring mortar or grout material into the chimney from the top with the mortar flowing to the sides of the applicator and between the applicator and flue liner, and drawing the applicator upwardly through the flue liner while operating the vibrator to coat the interior of the flue liner and tamp the repair material thoroughly into any discontinuities in the liner.

Abstract: A prefabricated fireplace enclosure (10) configured and arranged for compact packaging which comprises first and second side panels (20, 21), first and second mounting members (40, 44) securable to the exterior wall of a building, a rear panel (22, 23) and a bottom panel (24) adapted for positioning between the first and second side panels, and a roof assembly (25) adapted for support by the first and second side panels, wherein each of the panels, mounting members and roof assembly are configured and arranged so as to allow for compact packaging and shipment to the construction site in a disassembled condition.

Abstract: A cast in place chimney form and installation method therefor. The cast in place form being of a relatively light weight construction and having physical and visual features that allow it to be used as a chimney cap form and to be left as an element of the finished chimney cap. The method of installation comprising the positioning of the form with relation to a step of chimney construction and the pouring of the chimney cap with the form being left in place.

Abstract: The present invention is a boot and a method of making a boot for providing a water-tight seal around a protrusion on a roof. The boot may have a top portion adapted to surround a predetermined portion of the protrusion to be covered. The bottom end of the top portion has a bottom opening and a horizontally flat bottom edge. The boot may be installed by placing the bottom opening of the top portion over a protrusion to be covered so that the base portion is substantially flat on the roof. The top opening of the top portion may then be pulled around the protrusion so that it may be adjusted to fit the protrusion. Then the top opening of the top portion may be sealed around the protrusion and the base portion may be sealed to the roofing membrane.

Abstract: A ventilation-pipe plug includes a tubular sleeve having a sleeve outside periphery smaller than a ventilation pipe inside periphery. The sleeve includes an inlet end for receiving a gas and a hollow head attached to an end of the sleeve opposite the inlet end to allow the gas to flow from the sleeve into the head. The head includes a head outside periphery larger than the sleeve periphery diameter. The head also includes a plurality of passageways sized to allow egress of the gas from the head and to prevent ingress of animals and debris into the head.

Abstract: A fireplace system, constructed of modules including a firebox, a chimney housing, and a base, each module substantially a block of foam. The firebox has a fire cavity which is lined with fire resistant board to protect the foam from direct exposure to heat. The chimney housing has a central bore and a flue extending concentrically therethrough which has an inner tube in communication with the fire cavity and a concentric and spaced outer tube which is attached to the central bore to impede the flow of heat from the inner tube to the foam chimney housing. The chimney housing, base, and firebox are selectively attached together using connector sets which each include a pair of connection devices, one of which is partially submerged and anchored within the foam of each of the modules to be joined. The modules are joined by mating the connection devices of each connection set.

Abstract: The invention relates to an allergy test chamber comprising at least one inlet for supplying allergen-free air, especially fresh air, into the chamber. Said chamber is characterised in that the at least one inlet (23) for allergen-free air is provided with an air flow distribution device (26, 27), and in that the allergy test chamber (20) also comprises at least one inlet (25) for allergen test particles, such as plant pollen or mite faeces, and at least one outlet (24) for removing air loaded with allergen test particles from the chamber by means of suction. Said outlet (24) is arranged at a distance from the inlets (23, 25) for allergen-free air and allergen test particles. Said air movement principle i.e.

Abstract: An air handling system adapted especially for drop ceiling gridwork employs a shroud and a grille. The grille is made of a material meeting UL Standard 94 or 181 and rests on the drop ceiling gridwork. The shroud is made of a material meeting at least UL Standard 94HB, and at least its inner surface is non-reflective to hide the shroud structure when viewed through openings in the grille. The shroud interconnects the grille openings to an air handling duct above the gridwork using the appropriate fasteners.

Abstract: A conduit housing for enclosing the juncture between a roof and an elongated conduit such as flexible cable or a pipe extending upwardly through the roof is disclosed. The housing may be installed while the conduit remains in situ and without disconnecting the conduit from an external utility to which it is connected. The housing includes first and second base sections, a hood, and a conduit opening extending through a side wall of the housing. The base sections are slidably engageable with each other around the conduit on the roof to form a base assembly. The base assembly has an open top and extends peripherally around an interior region containing a lower portion of the conduit. The hood is engageable with the base assembly to cover at least the open top of the base assembly. The conduit opening is sized to provide a passage for the conduit from within the interior region to an external region outside the housing, and it may extend through a side wall of the base assembly or a side wall of the hood.

Abstract: Repairing a chamber coke oven by heat-insulating a repair space in the oven, dividing a brick wall in a portion to be repaired into a plurality of layers stacked one above another, dismantling and removing the brick wall in the repaired portion, and carrying refractory assemblies into the oven one by one, each of the refractory assemblies being manufactured outside the oven by combining a plurality of bricks together correspond in shape to each of the stacked layers in one-to-one relation, thereby building the brick wall in the repaired portion with the refractory assemblies. A damaged combustion chamber brick wall of the coke oven near an oven opening can be repaired with high efficiency.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for use with mechanical penetrations through a roof including a plurality of structural sections. Each structural section has a vertical portion, including a first end and a second end, and a horizontal portion. Each first end includes projections and each second end includes receptacles, wherein each projection is adapted to sealingly engage with a receptacle of an adjacent structural section. Each projection is inserted into a cooperatively aligned receptacle of an adjacent structural section to form a polygonal-shaped assembly having a plurality of connections and defining a cavity. The projections may be hook-shaped and the receptacles may be rectangular-shaped. The resulting cavity is shaped to contain a sealing material suitable to sealingly enclose a mechanical penetration and a portion of the exterior roof surface within the cavity.

Abstract: A crown installation system for forming a crown in place on a pillar in a manner that avoids the need for heavy and complicated concrete form structures. The crown installation system includes a kit for forming a crown on a pillar, such as a chimney, having a perimeter wall with an outer surface and an upper surface converging at an outer upper perimeter edge. The kit includes a plurality of form members, with each form member being adapted for forming a portion of the outer surface of the crown. Each of the form members has opposite ends and an outer face. A plurality of support members are provided for supporting the form members. Each of the support members has a front surface for pressing against a portion of the outer surface of one of the form members. A tension member is provided for holding the support members in position against the form members such that the form members are restricted from outward movement. The invention also includes a method of utilizing the kit to form a crown on a pillar.

Abstract: A containment assembly such as a down flow containment assembly including a barrier means between the processing zone and the operator breathing zone at least a first part of which is provided with flexible gloves for access to and maneuverability in the processing zone.

Abstract: The containment system of this invention is an enclosure that includes an air supported canopy having walls and flooring to enclose a portion or an entire structure. The canopy is generally a flexible, puncture, air impermeable, and cut resistant canopy supported by air beams and customized air bladders. Side and end flaps or tarps hang downward from the canopy and may be held outward from the structure by air bags. The air bladders are used to support the enclosure above the structure and to hold side flaps out and away from the structure. Lower air bladders can be used along lower edges if needed. A system of wire cables enclosed in smooth, lightweight casings, or equivalent, attached and secured to the air bladders provides for movement of the enclosure along the structure. The entire enclosure can be moved without disassembly and reassembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seismically retrofitting pre-existing household brick chimneys is described to meet current building codes. Vertical steel rebar and horizontal chimney anchors are inserted into the chimney and a polymer concrete is poured between the liner and the brick masonry thereby bonding to the chimney, the vertical steel rebar, and the horizontal chimney anchors. The horizontal chimney anchors are coupled at one end to the external face of the chimney and at another end to the interior frame of the house. Holes are vertically drilled into the masonry of the chimney base in order to anchor the steel rebar at one end. Holes are drilled through the chimney and into the interior of the house at an appropriate point to properly anchor the pre-existing chimney to the house. A polymer concrete that has similar heat properties to other fireplace components is poured into the chimney around a chimney liner in order to reinforce and provide resiliency.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a modular chimney having a fireplace, a smoke chamber, and a plurality of modular blocks, forming at least one stack of blocks, the stack of modular blocks defining a chimney passage that is in fluid communication with the smoke chamber for the passage of combustion products. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the modular chimney may also include a plurality of angled blocks, forming at least one angled stack of angled blocks, the angled stack of angled blocks defining an angled chimney passage that is in fluid communication with the smoke chamber and the chimney passage.

Abstract: A convertible roof (20) moves between extended and retracted positions for selectively covering an area, or exposing the area to ambient weather conditions. The roof (20) includes a first panel (26) having a plurality of inflatable tubes (28). One end of each tube connects to one side of the base of the roof and the other end connects to the other side of the roof's base. An air compressor (42) inflates the tubes sequentially via valves (40) and air duct anchor posts (30) or (112) for causing the first panel to move by inflation air pressure. The inflation air pressure causes the first panel to move from a position extending along one end of the base when the tubes are evacuated, to a second position above the base when the tubes inflate for covering the base. The roof will usually, but not necessarily, include a second panel (26) substantially identical to the first panel. The second panel connects to the end of the base of the roof opposite the end the first panel connects to.

Abstract: The inflatable greenhouse is an approximately hemispherical dome-shaped inflatable structure which is entirely self-supporting when inflated. The greenhouse has a double-walled structure of plastic sheet material which gives the greenhouse structural rigidity when inflated and which increases the thermal protection provided by the greenhouse. The walls of the greenhouse are made of a transparent or translucent plastic material to allow optimal light transmission for photosynthetic plants or of a light filtering or opaque plastic material for light-sensitive plants and animals. The greenhouse has an access door through the wall to allow easy access to the interior of the structure. The door is placed such that it does not interrupt the structural integrity of the inflated dome-shaped structure, therefore no rigid structural members are needed to support the walls.

Abstract: An inflatable structure which includes a plurality of interconnected vertical and horizontal inflatable seamed baffled support members forming a frame structure for the inflatable structure with continuous canvas panels extending over all exterior surfaces of the inflatable structure including the structure's floor and further including a sealable door which is sealed by the use of magnets which not only seal the door but also act as a tripping device for an alarm which is electrically connected to the magnets on the door and further wherein the alarm system is tripped by variations of air pressure on the interior of the interior of the sealed inflatable structure. The inflatable frame support member are all inflated by a single air valve located in an interior of the structure.

Abstract: An inflatable tent comprises a frame and an optionally removable cover. The frame has a single inflatable continuous generally-tubular member. The generally-tubular member comprises a base section and an upright section. The base section is fixedly attached at one or more connection points to the upright section. The upright section comprises a rounded main arch having two ends, both of which are fixedly attached to the base section. The upright section further comprises at least one rounded supporting arch segment having one end attached to the main arch and the other end attached to the base section.

Abstract: A method for repairing industrial facilities at high temperatures using at least one prefabricated element (1) made of mullite-crystallized refractory product with an alumina content of 30-80%, preferably 50-80%, made of refractory materials securely attached to the structure (11) of the facility by using an oxygen-containing carrier gas stream to spray a mixture of particles capable of exothermically reacting with the oxygen and particles of a refractory material, whereby a coherent refractory mass (14) is formed in situ for attaching said element to said structure.

Abstract: A chimney is constructed from a plurality of precast chimney blocks. Each of the chimney blocks is of unitary construction and contains one or more decorative surfaces having the appearance of a simulated brick or stone pattern. The chimney blocks are made of a hardenable construction material that is poured into a mold containing a plurality of cavities and projections which form the decorative pattern that is projected onto the surfaces of the formed chimney block. The chimney blocks are stackable so that they may be used to construct chimneys of varying heights. Multiple chimney blocks are stacked upon one another and secured together using mortar or other material capable of holding the blocks firmly in place.

Abstract: The stadium with retractable cover includes a peripheral wall defining an open top and a top peripheral edge. At least one floatation device is included which is adapted to rise in air. Next provided is at least one canopy mounted to the floatation device. At least one retraction assembly is adapted for selectively transferring the canopy between a closed orientation for closing the open top of the peripheral wall and an open orientation for exposing the open top of the peripheral wall.

Abstract: An inflatable tent construction 10 including a wall unit 11, and a roof unit 12 fabricated from fifteen side panels 40 wherein each side panel 40 comprises a panel member 30 surrounded by two inflatable side channels 21, 22, and an inflatable base channel 23 that define generally identically shaped equilateral triangles. The wall unit comprises first and second groups of five panel members 30, respectively, and the roof unit 12 comprises a third group of five panel members 30 to create the pentadecahedron configuration of the wall 11 and roof 12 units of the tent construction.

Abstract: An inflatable tent construction 10 including an upper wall unit 12 and a lower wall unit 13 having a plurality of vertically aligned inflatable tubular chambers 33 and 40 wherein the lower wall unit 12 is operatively connected to a floor unit 11 and provided with a plurality of tent opening units 14. A plurality of inflatable circular rings 20, 32 and 33 encircle the periphery of the floor unit 11, the lower wall unit 13, and the upper wall unit 12, respectively.

Abstract: A device, particularly for compensating the internal and external pressures in a double-glazing unit, such double-glazing units comprising a frame which supports two sheets made of at least partially transparent material, a chamber being formed between the two sheets and being adapted to provide an air space for thermal and acoustic insulation. The device comprises a duct which connects the inside of the chamber to the outside environment and is shaped so as to form two siphons arranged in series, a first siphon, located towards the chamber, having a higher head than a second siphon, located towards the outlet of the duct into the outside environment, the device further comprising elements for absorbing the moisture of the air contained in the portion of duct between the siphons.

Abstract: Fire-resistant flexible dome (2) apparatus for covering and protecting buildings (6), goods, livestock, persons and other objects from a fire, especially a rapidly moving conflagration known as a "fire storm." In its preferred form, the apparatus comprises a dome-like structure (2) made of fire-retardant fabric, supported with air or gas pressure within integral tubes (40) radially disposed about the central axis, or between one or more layers of said fire resistant fabric. Said apparatus is rapidly deployed from its container (4), preferably located on the roof of the building (6) to be protected. Its ground-contacting periphery (13) is manually secured to the ground. In one embodiment, a liquid-filled circumferencial reservoir (24) integral with said ground-contacting periphery is provided to add an improved ground seal and added anchoring to ground to help maintain structural integrity.

Abstract: An improved two-piece roof flashing comprises a thermoplastic hard base and an elastomeric rain collar. The hard base comprises a planar base plate with a central dome-like portion, with the dome-like portion having a central opening with a solid flange inwardly disposed and encircling the opening. The rain collar has a central opening sized to accommodate an upstanding roof pipe. The rain collar is molded directly onto the solid flange of the hard base, with the resulting seam between the rain collar and hard base being strong and weathertight. When the collar is molded onto the flange of the base element, the materials of the collar and flange fuse together along the seam between the collar and base element. Additionally, with the collar directly molded to the flange, the design of the flange creates a lengthy path that water must traverse in order to penetrate the roof flashing.

Abstract: A chimney moisture seal for use in combination with a chimney bounded by at least one wall of a building. The building having at least one roof having a predetermined level. The chimney having at least one end portion extending through the roof. The chimney including a veneer wall and a flue including a plurality of flue tiles coupled at a plurality of flue joints, an air space having a predetermined dimension located between said veneer wall and said flue, and a chimney cap mechanism located on said exterior end of said chimney and coupled to at least a portion of said flue and said veneer wall. The improvement being a moisture barrier structure mounted in the air space. The moisture barrier structure is positioned below the predetermined level of said roof. A method for preventing deterioration of an exterior veneer wall of a chimney structure. The method comprising mounting a moisture sealing mechanism and sealing a predetermined portion of said air space between said veneer wall and said flue.

Abstract: An inflatable building construction, in particular suitable for use as a tunnel greenhouse comprising a film which is kept in an operative condition doming a predetermined useful space through an air pressure that has been increased relative to the environment, and which film has longitudinal edges anchored to the ground, wherein, for anchoring the longitudinal edges of the film, at least one flexible hose or tube is used which lies on and/or against a longitudinal edge provided in a trench in the bottom and which is filled with a fluid under excess pressure, which hose or tube clamps the film edges in the trench.

Abstract: The present device is to be utilized in fundraising projects. It has a hollow frame which supports a plastic enclosure. The enclosure has an entrance which can be opened and closed. Once a participant enters the enclosure and closes the entrance, an air blower is activated. With activation of the blower, prize money is circulated within the enclosure, which the participant tries to catch.

Abstract: An inflatable portable substantially collapsible structure comprising an inflatable substantially collapsible playing field having at least two walls, a top and a bottom, at least one object director to direct an object with a fluid along or above the playing surface and at least one score area.

Abstract: A lightweight stone-work column apparatus (20) including a side wall assembly (20) formed from a plurality of stone-work pieces (32) in side-by-side relation. A mortar material (31) is adhesively mounted to the collective backsides and joints (20) of and between the stone-work pieces (32). This mortar material (31) is supplied in a relatively thin radial depth dimension, relative the longitudinal axis (30), while being sufficient thick to support and bond together the plurality of stone-work pieces (32) together as a unit. A tube member (45) is positioned in a cavity (46), formed by the stone-work pieces (32) and the mortar material (31), in an orientation extending from the first opening (47) to the second opening (48). A polymer backing (20) positioned in a gap between an outer surface of the tube (45) and the backside of the mortar material (31) for strengthening of the collective stone-work pieces (32).

Abstract: A shielding device including an inflatable frame structure, and a covering covered over the inflatable frame structure, the inflatable frame structure including a plurality of inflatable purlins, and a plurality of inflatable rafters connected in parallel by the inflatable purlins, the inflatable purlins and the inflatable rafters having a respective air valve, each inflatable rafter having a plurality of coupling portions adapted for coupling to the inflatable purlins, each coupling portion defining a coupling hole through which one inflatable purlin is inserted.

Abstract: A support structure for architectural systems is suggested which comprises a plurality of supports (2) standing on a base and serving to bear a load. The supports (2) are constituted by air-tight hollow bodies (6) which possesses a wall of flexible material and are charged with compressed air in order to have a rigid form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chimney access structure which is particularly well adapted for use in grounds subject to freezing. This structure incorporates chimney provided with an upper end on which is mounted an adaptor provided with a vertical through-hole and with a countersink hole of greater diameter that the through-hole. The countersink hole is preferably frusto-conical and extends coaxially within the through-hole at a given depth from the upper face of the adaptor. This countersink hole defines a sleeve with upper portion of the adaptor which is provided with an inwardly projecting flexible sealing ring. A floating head is slidably mounted into the sleeve. This head has a vertical through-hole coaxial with the one of the adaptor. The floating head also has a lower portion provided with an outer lateral surface whose shape and size are selected to fit into the countersink hole of the adaptor and sealingly slide within the same thanks to the sealing ring.

Abstract: An inflatable; convertible shelter and flotation device used for long distance hiking and camping expeditions. Cocoon is constructed of canvas and nylon. The canvas floor base is rubberized to allow for water proofing and air containment. A nylon lining is attached to the canvas and is held in place by Velcro strips. When used as a tent Cocoon's nylon lining is unfastened to form a wedge shaped tent. The canvas base can be inflated for insulation and sleeping comfort. When used as a flotation device the canvas base with three independently inflated air panels provide buoyancy for traversing rivers and lakes. Each inflatable panel contains air tight cells of different lengths. Grommets are secured at the end of each cell and provide openings for rope to be drawn through. Grommets and rope allows a gathering together of air-cell ends. A gathering together of each end of the inflated panels allows the base to form a tubular shape.

Abstract: A tent is fabricated from a seamless spherical shell. The floor of the tent is established as a plane interiorly dividing the shell into two chambers. The floor peripherally contacts the inner surface of the shell, and is sealed against the inner surface of the spherical shell. The larger chamber serves as the living chamber, while a smaller air tight chamber is formed between the floor and the shell. The air tight chamber is provided with a valve communicating with the outside environment. When the tent is disassembled, and with the valve opened, the spherical shell will completely deflate and collapse. During erection of the tent, the air chamber valve remains open, and the shell's cap over the floor is manually pulled out away from the tent floor causing a vacuum to form in the smaller airtight chamber. Air immediately flows through the valve filling the air chamber, and by closure of this valve the air is trapped. The air cushions the floor to provide a self inflated air mattress.