Abstract: A collapsible storage silo having an expanded configuration includes: (a) a shell for circumscribing storage space and comprising a plurality of concentrically nested tubular members that are collapsible; (b) a lift system operable to slidably expand the plurality of concentrically nested tubular members to place the silo in its expanded configuration; and (c) a mast operable to support the lift system, The mast is pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions relative to a frame. A winch attaches to the mast and a cable extends between the winch and an outermost tubular member to expand the silo such that inwardly and outwardly projecting lips of nested members engage each other and a conical hopper engages an innermost tubular member. A flexible inner liner attaches between an outermost tubular member and the hopper. A collapsible roof has a flexible roof membrane and a plurality of radially extending foldable rib members.

Abstract: An extruded rail assembly including a first multi-channel extrusion having at least two tubular channels connected by a center rib, and having a joining end configured for joining at a predetermined angle to a joining end of a second multi-channel extrusion. The second multi-channel extrusion includes at least two tubular channels connected by a center rib, and having a joining end configured for joining at the predetermined angle to the joining end of first multi-channel extrusion. The joining ends of the first and second multi-channel extrusions are configured such that the center ribs complementarily engage as a joining surface.

Abstract: A combined energy dissipation scaffolding structure for preventing falling rock hazards for high and steep side slope during highway construction. The combined energy dissipation scaffolding structure mainly comprises five parts: a top surface impact-resistance system closely jointed with the existing slope surface, a top surface support system composed of 3D stereographic steel frame systems, a scaffolding body structure composed of a cross beam and support steel-pipe posts at both sides, a mountain-side anchorage system for anchoring the top surface impact-resistance system and the scaffolding body structure, and an anchoring-type steel-plate concrete composite foundation, wherein a fixed base is welded with the bottom of the steel-pipe post and is driven in the foundation soils using anchor rods.

Abstract: A modular infill panel system for attaching to vertical structural members of a building frame and adjacent modular infill panel units. The modular infill panel system is capable of creating piecewise curves in the vertical plane as well as complex piecewise three-dimensional curves in a combination of horizontal and vertical planes. The modular infill panel system can include vertically stacked modular infill panel units. The modular infill panel units can be vertically aligned and attached to the building's structural columns by bracket assemblies mounted along one or more outside edges of the top frame member of the structural frame of the modular infill panel units. The bracket assemblies can secure the modular infill panel unit to the vertical structure of the building and alignment pins projecting upward from the bracket assemblies can align vertically adjacent modular infill panel units.

Abstract: A collapsible storage silo having an expanded configuration includes: (a) a shell for circumscribing storage space and comprising a plurality of concentrically nested tubular members that are collapsible; (b) a lift system operable to slidably expand the plurality of concentrically nested tubular members to place the silo in its expanded configuration; and (c) a mast operable to support the lift system. The mast is pivotable between horizontal and vertical positions relative to a frame. A winch attaches to the mast and a cable extends between the winch and an outermost tubular member to expand the silo such that inwardly and outwardly projecting lips of nested members engage each other and a conical hopper engages an innermost tubular member. A flexible inner liner attaches between an outermost tubular member and the hopper. A collapsible roof has a flexible roof membrane and a plurality of radially extending foldable rib members.

Abstract: A metal building system has multiple spaced building sections connected by inner and outer batten panels. Each building section has two spaced frame elements connected by inner and outer skin panels. The frame elements have two walls and a roof. The batten and skin panels have a metal layer that faces away from the frame elements and an insulation layer that faces the frame elements. The skin panels are seamed to the frame element and the batten panels are seamed to the skin panels such that there is no metal to metal contact between the frame elements, the skin panels and the batten panels. Each building section can be assembled at ground level, rotated to a final upright position and anchored.

Abstract: A setup device for manufacturing a fuselage barrel, made of a fiber composite material, for an aircraft is provided. The setup device for the purpose of reinforcement includes several stringers arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other. The stringers include a base structure to form a load-bearing rigid substructure that is connected to an outwardly curved supporting surface that can be adjusted by means of actuators for the positive setup of the fuselage barrel to be manufactured with the help of form channels for accommodating the stringers. The actuators, designed as pressure-means cylinders, move one or several form channels in radial direction. The form channels are interconnected longitudinally by means of a flexible intermediate element for forming a ring-shaped supporting surface that is closed in a vacuum-tight manner and that overall is able to adjust itself in radial direction.

Abstract: A modular fire safe is provided. The modular fire safe includes a base module. The base module has an interior shell and one or more groove assemblies. One or more intermediate modules are positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement with the base module. The one or more intermediate modules have an interior shell, one or more groove assemblies and one or more tongue assemblies. A top module is positioned in a vertically stacked arrangement with an uppermost intermediate module. The top module has an interior shell and one or more tongue assemblies. The tongue assemblies are configured to be received by the groove assemblies such that the base, intermediate and top modules form an assembled modular fire safe. A plurality of retention members extend transversely through the interior shells of the base, intermediate and top modules to secure the tongue assemblies to the groove assemblies.

Abstract: The invention is related to the field of civil engineering, particularly related to the translucent roofs of buildings, and regards the production of polycarbonate dome structure or translucent material, made of double lens and tube formation, which allows the installation and mounting of the same in-line, in the roofing structures, targeting design and extending day light in the inner area of buildings, even at low climatic condition, reducing the passage of excessive heat into the environment to be illuminated. In addition to reducing heat passage by approximately 30%, its use installation will take place linearly and non-point, so that natural light is distributed more homogeneously in the environment. The material for its manufacture can come from prismatic polycarbonate, acrylic or other compatible material and its manufacturing process adopts vacuum system forming (thermoforming).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a round container and to a round container configured for said method, which provide faster construction of the round container, mostly independent from the precision of the preliminary work in spite of high final precision, and which provide simple transportation of the components to the construction site. This is accomplished by the invention through setting up wall profiles (2), which are continuous over the wall height of the round container (1) and which have in particular a flat inner surface, continuously along the circumference and by connecting them with one another and with the subsurface in particular through bolting.

Abstract: A building system includes blocks having first and second side surfaces that are perpendicular to a common plane defining a subtended angle, couplers and receivers are defined in the first and second side surfaces such that chains of blocks may be coupled to one another in rows forming closed loops or non-closed chains. Rows may be coupled together by engaging core links with a block in each row and with a core rod passing through each row. Blocks in each row may include a peg and aperture engaging a corresponding aperture and peg in adjacent rows to facilitate alignment. Core rods threadably secure to other cord rods, slanted blocks, caps, and other feature blocks in order to capture a stack of rows in engagement with the core rods. Blocks including decorative features and forming parts of pivoting joints may also be included within a row.

Abstract: A drum having a vibratory member(s) tensioned over a plurality of tuned staves which acts as a sounding board and having staves which may be joined together with one or more flexible lines. The invention also includes a method of making such a drum and includes variations in the bearing edges of the tuned staves for such a drum.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vessel, a first vertical support, a second vertical support, and a series of insulating panels. The first vertical support and the second vertical support are fixated to the vessel such that the first vertical support is spaced apart from the second vertical support. Each of the insulating panels in the series of insulating panels is supported between the first vertical support and the second vertical support. Moreover, each insulating panel in the series of insulating panels slidably overlaps one or more adjacent insulating panels in the series of insulating panels.

Abstract: A core component for a base of a tower assembly includes a body of the core component and a flange. The body has an arcuate outer sidewall and an arcuate inner sidewall. The body includes a hole extending from the outer sidewall to a bottom of the body. The flange extends from the arcuate inner sidewall of the body. The flange includes at least one bore hole configured to receive a post-tensioning tendon.

Abstract: A rim for engaging a vessel wall of an existing liquid-containing vessel, wherein the vessel wall defines a liquid-containment area, and wherein the vessel is open ended could includes a rail cap comprising a cap surface and two spaced apart rail cap walls attached to and depending from the cap surface defining a rail cap cavity adapted to engage the vessel wall. The rim could include a plurality of rim segments and a segment seam cap for positioning over a seam formed between adjacent rim segments.

Abstract: An interlocking building block, and procedure for constructing the same, having a planar locking mechanism and a spatial locking mechanism. The planar locking mechanism being a three-clawed piece built around an equilateral triangle with protruding arms and grooves corresponding to a circular arc. The protruding claws are rotated on a plane around a center of rotation. These align with grooves of another three-clawed piece to offer a locking mechanism, where the center point of the circular arc is identical to the center of planar rotation. The spatial locking mechanism may have a hexagonal prism placed next to the three-clawed piece and connected to the corners of the equilateral triangle, into which the three-clawed piece is placed so that the protruding claws extend beyond the hexagonal prism, or the spatial locking mechanism consists of protrusions ensuring a groove/taper connection and connecting grooves, so that each piece contains protrusions and grooves.

Abstract: A crack-resistant member for preventing crack propagation, a method of preventing crack propagation, and method of assembly a tower are provided. The crack-resistant member includes at least one insert attached to at least one removed portion at a predetermined location along a girth weld and adjacent a heat affected zone of the tower. The at least one insert is positioned perpendicular to a weld direction and intersecting the girth weld. The at least one insert prevents crack propagation in the girth weld of the tower.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planar base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: A curvable grid tee for suspending drywall capable of being configured vertically into convex or concave shapes comprising a series of identical web segments joined end-to-end, the segments being formed of sheet metal into a tee shaped cross section, the sheet metal of a segment being folded such that each segment has a vertical double layer stem with the stem layers joined at a common fold at upper edges thereof, the sheet metal at lower edges of each layer of the stem being bent outwardly to form a flange, a junction between adjacent segments permitting such adjacent segments to be angularly displaced relative to one another in a vertical plane such that the flanges are capable of supporting a drywall panel in a curved plane.

Abstract: A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a plurality of roof trusses each including an inner chord. A plurality of panels is attached to the roof structure. Each of the panels extends between and is attached to adjacently positioned ones of the inner chords. Each of the panels is elongated and has a first end, a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. An upper bend is positioned adjacent to the upper edge and defines an upper flange including the upper edge. A lower bend is positioned adjacent to the lower edge and defines lower flange including the lower edge. A primary bend is positioned between the upper and lower bends. The upper and lower flanges are attached to the inner chord. The primary bend is spaced further from the inner chord than the upper and lower bends.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a cryogenic storage tank (700) having a welded inner tank (702), an outer shell (704) surrounding the welded inner tank (702), a concrete foundation (728) comprising a raised portion (752), a plurality of cellular glass blocks (734) positioned directly on top of the raised portion (752) of the concrete foundation (728), a leveling course of concrete (736) poured on top of the uppermost layer of the plurality of cellular glass blocks (734), and a mounting apparatus (718) affixed to the concrete foundation (728), where the welded inner tank (702) is positioned on top of the leveling course of concrete (736) and the outer shell (704) is affixed to the mounting apparatus (718) at locations around the periphery of the outer shell (704).

Abstract: A granular material storage capacity increasing device and system includes a housing including a plurality of roof trusses each including an inner chord. A plurality of panels is attached to the roof structure. Each of the panels extends between and is attached to adjacently positioned ones of the inner chords. Each of the panels is elongated and has a first end, a second end, an upper edge and a lower edge. An upper bend is positioned adjacent to the upper edge and defines an upper flange including the upper edge. A lower bend is positioned adjacent to the lower edge and defines lower flange including the lower edge. A primary bend is positioned between the upper and lower bends. The upper and lower flanges are attached to the inner chord. The primary bend is spaced further from the inner chord than the first and second ends.

Abstract: A crack-resistant member for preventing crack propagation, a method of preventing crack propagation, and method of assembly a tower are provided. The crack-resistant member includes at least one insert attached to at least one removed portion at a predetermined location along a girth weld and adjacent a heat affected zone of the tower. The at least one insert is positioned perpendicular to a weld direction and intersecting the girth weld. The at least one insert prevents crack propagation in the girth weld of the tower.

Abstract: A support structure for conditioning systems, such as blowers and/or heaters, that are used with grain bins and a method for installing same. To aid in aligning the conditioning system and grain bin, one embodiment uses beams that are partially embedded in the grain bin's concrete foundation and extend from the foundation. By linking the grain bin's foundation with the support structure that carries the conditioning system, the grain bin and support structure are aligned with respect to each other. Any movement of the grain bin's foundation will cause concomitant movement of the support base to prevent misalignment between the grain bin and conditioning system as time goes on.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a unit-wall structure for a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of a cylindrical wall of the storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to overlap one another. The unit-wall structure includes iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, wherein the unit-wall structure has an arc shape so that a plurality of unit-wall structures are stacked to form a cylindrical wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: Brace devoid of joints or welds for reinforcing a tube, such as the roller tube of an awning, the brace being formed from a pair of elongate metal strips mounted to each other along their respective longitudinal central portions, the edges of each strip forming integral feet at angles with respect to the strip, and the strips extending substantially radially from the mounted central portions to engage the interior of the tube at the feet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of walls of a cylindrical storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to be stacked or superposed with respect to one another. The method includes: producing unit-wall structures made of concrete and each having iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, stacking the unit-wall structures in a cylindrical arrangement, and connecting the unit-wall structures adjacent and in longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to each other to form a wall of the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of mounting elements in a wind turbine tower, whereby the elements are partly or completely attached to the wind turbine tower by means of magnetic attraction forces. Wind turbine suspension units may be attached to the wind turbine tower, preferably completely or partly to the inner wall by means of magnetic attraction forces, which present structure-weakening attachments to the tower or part of the tower.

Abstract: A curved wall structure is disclosed herein that comprises a curved footer track; a curved header track confronting and vertically spaced apart from the curved footer track; a plurality of studs having upper and lower end portions (wherein the studs are vertically positioned between the spaced apart and confronting header and footer tracks such that the lower end portions are received into the footer track and the upper end portions are received into the curved header track); and a corrugated curved wall panel having a plurality of vertically spaced apart grooves. Mineral wool (or other suitable insulation material) may be positioned between the plurality of studs and adjacent to the corrugated curved wall panel. In addition, a heat-expandable intumescent material strip may be positioned along a top portion of at least one of the downwardly extending sidewalls of the curved header track and adjacent to the first curved wallboard.

Abstract: A prefabricated building that is easily assembled from plastic components or elements. These elements are formed in a shape that has special joining configurations to allow the elements to longitudinally slide into respective receiving grooves on an adjacent element to form the building structure. The elements have a surface inclination so that when they are joined to adjacent elements they give the building a cylindrical outer shape. Other elements are joined together in a similar fashion to form vertical walls to form the front and back of the building and dividing walls.

Abstract: An array of photovoltaic panels is supported in rows and columns spaced from one another using a foldable bi-directional span of support members. The support members include a plurality of support joists and support rails braced at an incline. Each support rail is tubular and generally rectangular, having a lower wall section with a T-slot channel for acceptance of the head of a bolt for adjustable attachment with the support joist. Also, the support rail may have a C-slot channel for retaining electrical wires. Clips are used to secure each panel to upper wall portions of underlying support rails. Each clip has a generally U-shaped gasket and is retained to a corresponding support rail through a threaded hole in a top wall of the support rail that receives a bolt or similar threaded fastener.

Abstract: A device for connecting sheets of a grain bin together having an inner plate that fits over a vertical seam formed at the ends of two abutting sheets. The inner plate has a plurality of holes that generally align with holes in the ends of the sheets. An outer plate is positioned to cover the vertical seam and has a plurality of holes that generally align with the holes on the ends of the sheets. Bolts extend through the holes to secure the inner plate, sheets, and outer plate together.

Abstract: Precise parameters are maintained in a support system for solar panels or other panel-like structures through use of a collapsible folding, support frame which is preassembled to precise tolerances at a convenient staging site before being collapsed for shipment. Installation on flat roofs is also facilitated through the use of a roof interface frame which rotatably supports the panel support frame of the support system and folds along with it at the assembly, staging site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tower construction with an annular cross section, comprising one or more component tubes arranged concentrically one on top of the other, wherein at least one component tube is composed of at least 3 tube segments, the tube segments of at least one component tube are pretensioned relative to one another by means of tensioning devices, hereinafter referred to as segment tensioning devices, and the component tubes have tensioning devices, hereinafter referred to as component tube tensioning devices, which act at least in the axial direction and extend over at least one horizontal joint, the tube segments and the component tubes composed therefrom form, at their butting edges, joints having gaps, the gaps of the joints are filled at least partially with a joint-filling material, and the joints between the tube segments of the same component tube allow a certain, substantially constraint-free rotation of the adjoining tube segments about the joint axis.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: A support structure for conditioning systems, such as blowers and/or heaters, that are used with grain bins and a method for installing same. To aid in aligning the conditioning system and grain bin, one embodiment uses beams that are partially embedded in the grain bin's concrete foundation and extend from the foundation. By linking the grain bin's foundation with the support structure that carries the conditioning system, the grain bin and support structure are aligned with respect to each other. Any movement of the grain bin's foundation will cause concomitant movement of the support base to prevent misalignment between the grain bin and conditioning system as time goes on.

Abstract: Roof construction having a roof skin mounted on a base construction and including a bottom skin and a top skin mounted above and spaced apart from the bottom skin, the roof skin having a two-dimensionally curved surface, the bottom skin being supported on the base construction via a grid that is formed by plane plates oriented normal to the plane of the grid and crossing one another, top edges of the plates being curved to define the curvature of the roof skin, the surface of the roof skin being divided into segments at least some of which are spanned by an associated set of straight lines, and the top skin is held at a constant spacing from the bottom skin by spacer profiles extending along the straight lines.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.

Abstract: A decorative structure is provided that is suspended within a space and includes a flexible panel maintained in a flexed configuration. The decorative structure includes a cable that supports the flexible panel and that is connected to a biasing member. The biasing member cooperates with a portion of the flexible panel to maintain the panel in a flexed configuration. A method of configuring a decorative structure with a flexed panel is also provided.

Abstract: A grid system is provided that is particularly suited for the suspended ceiling system that varies in the vertical plane. An elongated carrier tube is provided the spans substantially the width of the grid system that has a slot therein adapted to receive the strengthening bulb of a main runner. A clip is provided that seats on the carrier tube that has opposed faces for capturing the bulb of the runner, so as to secure the runner to the tube carrier.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: A panel structure including a flexible panel, at least one edge strip and mounting hardware is provided. Also provided is a method of configuring the panel structure. The edge strip has at least one mounting member receiving area provided thereon. The mounting member receiving area is dimensioned to receive the mounting hardware therein. The mounting hardware cooperates with the edge strip to suspend and mount the flexible panel. When installed, the panel structure provides a canopy-like visual element to a space in which it is suspended or mounted. The panel structure may be suspended or mounted in various configurations having different degrees of flex or curvature. The panel structure can be installed easily and reconfigured easily to suit the user.

Abstract: A panel connector for interconnecting adjacent panels, wherein the panels have one or more flanges each having an edge. The connector comprises a portion of sheet material arranged to extend from the edge of the panel with a curved profile having an inner end adjacent the edge of the panel and an outer end. In transverse cross section, the curved profile includes a first portion extending from the inner end in a generally elliptical path and a second portion extending from the first portion to the outer end. The second portion curves inwardly from the generally elliptical path and the curved profile of the connector curves through at least 360 degrees. The second portion defines an opening between the inner end and the outer end to receive a portion of a further connector on an adjacent panel of the same shape.

Abstract: A domed steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: In the construction of walls in balloon framing below roof pitches, the attachment profiles need to be suitable for different inclines and are to be connectable to the incline. For this purpose, the attachment profiles have fastening tabs on both sides, which may be bent into the particular required inclined attitude. The fastening tabs extend nearly over the entire profile web and are only linked on a deflection edge on one side on the attachment profile in the area of the profile web. In addition, the attachment profile can be used for the upper and lower fixing of the sub profiles of a stud or stud round wall.

Abstract: A domed non-steel roof frame (12). The frame (12) has at least three corners and an outwardly convex shape with an uppermost apex (20). The frame (12) comprises at least three non-steel interior members (18), at least three interior cable retainers and at least three interior cables. The at least three non-steel interior members (18) each extend from one of each of the corners to the apex (20). The at least three interior cable retainers are each attached to, or form part of, and extending substantially along each of the respective interior members (18). The at least three interior cables are each inserted through each of the respective interior cable retainers. The frame (12) also comprises means to tension each, of the interior cables relative to their respective interior cable retainers and means to maintain each of the interior cables tensioned relative to their respective interior cable retainers.

Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.

Abstract: A grid system is provided that is particularly suited for the suspended ceiling system that varies in the vertical plane. An elongated carrier tube is provided the spans substantially the width of the grid system that has a slot therein adapted to receive the strengthening bulb of a main runner. A clip is provided that seats on the carrier tube that has opposed faces for capturing the bulb of the runner, so as to secure the runner to the tube carrier.

Abstract: A storage building is provided. The building includes an exoskeleton with an interior cover. The exoskeleton is formed from horizontal rings connected by trusses. The building typically stores particulate material, including grain and other crops. The exoskeleton bears the load of the stored material, and allows for storage of greater amounts of material.

Abstract: An improved building panel with increased stiffness and resistance to buckling is disclosed. The panel cross section is characterized by a novel center portion comprised of radially arranged longitudinal stiffening ribs which transition into side portions configured to allow joining of the panels. The configuration of the panel's center section results in an increased moment of inertia as well as higher resistance to positive and negative bending moments and local buckling when compared to existing designs. Additionally, the panel configuration allows curving longitudinally without corrugations. These improvements in the strength of the panel and the elimination of corrugations reduce design constraints on buildings constructed of such panels and allow larger buildings to be constructed.