Abstract: A barrier comprised of a collar defining the form factor of the barrier and a plurality of slidably connected and nested rods creating a continuous barrier conforming to the form factor of the collar. While the collar defines the form factor of the barrier, the slidable rods can be adjusted in their relative positions along the form factor to provide for a barrier that conforms to the contours of the application surface. The barrier may include means to attach the apparatus to the decking and caps to seal the apparatus during construction activities. The rods are interconnected one to another so that the rods can be connected into a continuous barrier. The rods are able to slide relative to each other along the interlocking structure. When the device is set into position, rods may be slid into a barrier structure that conforms to both planar and non-planar surfaces of the application surface. As such, the apparatus provides an effective barrier for further construction processes, e.g.

Abstract: A grain bin roof ring mounting bracket having a mounting plate secured to a roof bin, a clip portion extending vertically from the mounting plate, and a back portion that extends outwardly from the clip portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for preventing the vortex effect, comprising three corrugated tubes which extend helically from the upper end (2) of the tower (3), such as to cover only the upper part thereof. The helix pitch defined by the corrugated tube (1) along the length of the tower (3) is fixed using cords (5) which are attached at each revolution of the tube. The corrugated tube (1) is lifted with a cathead (6) which is disposed on the structure that is used to anchor (4) the tool to the tower (3), the structure comprising three T-shaped sections which form an X having sectors (9) fixed to the ends thereof. In addition, four legs (14) are welded to the aforementioned sectors and the tubes are wound around said legs.

Abstract: A tensioned structure such as a house is disclosed. The house includes at least one wall panel placed under tension by bending the wall panel from a flat form to a curved form. The tension provides rigidity and thus strength to the wall panel. In a preferred form, the house includes two tensioned wall panels with the concave faces of the wall panels confronting each other such that a generally circular residential house is formed. A counter to oppose the tension engages the wall panels. The counter may include a roof or rafter support network, a portion of the floor or floor support, the wall panels themselves where the end edges of the wall panels are engaged to each other, or stainless steel straps running about the wall panels. The wall panel may be include material such as oriented strand board, steel, cement, plastic, or organic material such as grass.

Abstract: A large number of existing reinforced concrete structures, such as buildings and bridges, if subjected to abnormal loads, such as those expected during earthquakes or bomb blast, may experience significant inelasticity in their critical regions. It is economically not feasible to replace the entire existing infrastructure with new and improved structures; retrofitting provides the only solution to the problem of seismically and otherwise structurally deficient existing structures. A new retrofitting process has been developed to improve strength and deformability of existing reinforced concrete columns. The process involves determining column critical regions, identifying critical stresses that may lead to brittle shear and/or compression failures, determining external prestressing to overcome some of these stresses and to provide lateral confining pressure to improve the ductility of compression concrete.

Abstract: A collapsible pool assembly having a liquid impervious liner with collapsible perimeter walls of modular configuration.

Abstract: A metal frame insulated building system using metal studs and sole and cap blocking tracks of "C" cross-section anchored to a foundation and to each other. The studs and cap blocking tracks physically interlocked in addition to being mutually secured by fasteners. Vertical stacks or columns of foamed cement blocks are placed between the studs and grooves on one or both sides of the blocks receive stud flanges to interlock the studs and blocks. The bottom and top blocks of a stack similarly interlock via grooves with the blocking track flanges. The blocks protrude beyond the studs on the structure's exterior, substantially covering the stud and blocking track flanges and attenuating thermal conductivity as well as providing an exterior surface for stucco or other finish.

Abstract: There is provided a panel structure for the side walls of an inground pool, the panel having vertical lines of weakening formed therein permitting it to assume various arcuate configurations, both concave and convex. This arrangement permits a single panel to be used for both straight and curved wall sections.

Abstract: This invention deals with novel quilting pins that find use as fasteners for stabilizing insulation inside jacketing to form insulating covers that are installed around hot surfaces. Also disclosed is a method of using the pins to manufacture such insulating covers.

Abstract: A fluid storage tank made of a plurality of steel plates welded together is reinforced by winding a plurality of continuous, high tensile strength, non-metallic filaments around and in contact with the plates and applying a resin to the filaments to define a composite material of the filaments in a resin matrix. In one embodiment, substantially the entire exterior surface of the shell is covered by the composite material to form a reinforcing jacket. In another embodiment, the composite material is formed into a plurality of spaced reinforcing bands extending around the shell.

Abstract: A modular cylinder comprises a plurality of, in this case 24, modules each having a tongue to engage a groove of its neighbor and each either having a camming ramp to engage a camming ramp of its neighbor, or a filler rod inserted between adjacent modules at each interface. Where the camming means are provided, (n-1) of the modules can be placed into engagement to define an almost complete cylinder and can then be strained in a radially outward direction to provide space for the final module which is placed in position by sliding longitudinally of the gap. Where the filler rods are used, all of the n modules may be loosely assembled in a first operation and the filler rods can be inserted in a second operation to pre-stress the cylinder.

Abstract: An insulating system for storage tanks uses vertical straps and horizontal cables to form a web on the outer surface of a spherical storage tank. Fasteners and clamps positioned at intervals along the vertical straps anchor the cables in place. Panel sections are positioned transversely to the horizontal cables, the panel sections having opposing side flanges that are folded over flanges on adjoining panel sections as well as the attachment means looped around the cable.

Abstract: The present invention is system for covering structures that have complex surfaces using tensioned membrane panels which exhibit maximum flexibility over multiple curvatures of the structure's surface. The system includes a means for supporting the cladding membrane over the structure, a means for tensioning the cladding membrane and a means for securing the tensioned cladding membrane to the structure. Generally, ribs are mounted to the structure wherein the ribs provide support for the cladding membrane. Attached at least one of the ribs are clamping channels which secure the tensioned cladding membrane to the structure. The ribs can be thermally isolated from the building surface to minimize directly conducted heat loss. Additionally, the tensioned membrane cladding system usefully accommodates various methods of applied insulation between the cladding membrane and the structure.

Abstract: A prestress wire splicing apparatus is used to replace sections of wire used in prestressing concrete pipe, where a section of wire has either failed due to corrosion or has been removed for inspection purposes, and to restore the proper amount of tension necessary to keep the concrete pipe in a net overall compression force. The prestress wire splicing apparatus comprises a set of anchor blocks for attachment to the ends of wires, a stop screw for holding a set of the anchor blocks apart, a clamp bolt for securing a set of the blocks together, and a hydraulic clamping device for pressing a set of blocks toward each other. A splice-wire anchor block is attached to each end of a splice wire. An exposed-wire anchor block is attached to each remaining wire end. A clamping device is attached and operated to compress the anchor blocks together to a desired tension force. A clamp bolt is tightened to maintain the tension and the clamping device is removed.

Abstract: A fluid storage tank made of a plurality of steel plates welded together is reinforced by winding a plurality of continuous, high tensile strength, non-metallic filaments around and in contact with the plates and applying a resin to the filaments to define a composite material of the filaments in a resin matrix. In one embodiment, substantially the entire exterior surface of the shell is covered by the composite material to form a reinforcing jacket. In another embodiment, the composite material is formed into a plurality of spaced reinforcing bands extending around the shell.

Abstract: A structural glass unit comprises a multi-ply glass assembly, for example a glass laminate or a sealed double glazing unit, which may be part of a roof structure. The glass assembly has a stepped configuration at a location where the assembly is secured to a supporting member, by a clamp which is clamped to one glass sheet only of the glass assemby.

Abstract: A sectional smokestack wherein each section is assembled from multiple precast concrete segments having aligned vertical ribs. The sections are stacked axially one upon the other during erection of the smokestack. Concentrated reinforcement extends vertically through aligned apertures in each rib from the bottom of the smokestack to the top of the smokestack. Each of the segments which are used to assemble a section have structural tie rods which extend laterally within a segment and extend into the aperture on opposite sides of the concentrated reinforcement to transfer wind loads and heat stress loads to the concentrated reinforcement.

Abstract: A structural glass unit comprises a multi-ply glass assembly, for example a glass laminate or a sealed double glazing unit, which may be part of a roof structure. The glass assembly has a stepped configuration at a location where the assembly is secured to a supporting member by a clamp which is clamped to one glass sheet only of the glass assembly.

Abstract: A fire fighting device having a funnel shaped jacket that attaches to a rib framing system that is strapped around a bulk storage tank, the ribs attached to a relief channel located at the base of the tank, the jacket is held away from the tank shell by the ribs, the void created between the funnel jacket and tank shell is the waterway, fire stream cooling water is collected at the top of the tank by the funnel, the water is then gravity fed through the waterway, the flow rate of the water is controlled by the size of the relief ports located in the relief channel. As the water travels across the face of the tank within the waterway, it absorbs the heat radiated into the tank by an outside heat source. The heat transferred water enters the relief channel through inlet ports. The heated water is then released outside the waterway system through relief ports. Cool fire stream water enters at the top of the funnel; heat transferred water exits the system at the base of the tank.

Abstract: An enclosed structure for containing particulate solids includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed vertical posts. Circumferentially directed girts extending horizontally are affixed to the posts and corrugated metal cladding is attached to the girts. The vertical spacing of the girts varies and they are closer together near the bottom of the structure.

Abstract: A building structure includes an upstanding substantially vertical wall portion constructed from a plurality of interlocking wall sections and forming a closed shape. The wall sections are formed from a thermally insulating material. A retainer band is provided for placement about the periphery of the wall portion, and is adapted to be tensioned to maintain the wall portion in its closed shape. The exterior surface of the wall portion is coated with a concrete-like material, or any other satisfactory weather resistant coating material, to protect the insulating material of the wall sections from weather. A roof structure is adapted to be placed atop the wall portion. In one embodiment, the wall portion is circular in plan, and the roof structure comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped sections, with the base portion of the wedge sections adapted for placement atop the wall portion. The retainer band overlaps the base portion of the wedge sections and interlocks the roof and the wall portion.

Abstract: A window frame assembly for curved windows comprises a rigid frame member having a curved profile, a flexible frame member, and a plurality of individual window frame core blocks. The blocks are secured serially to the flexible frame member. The blocks and flexible frame member form a subassembly which is secured to the rigid frame member such that the subassembly assumes the curved profile of the rigid frame member. The blocks are preferably wood, the rigid frame member preferably an aluminum clad frame cover, and the assembly preferably provides an aluminum clad, wood core window frame assembly.

Abstract: A cost-effective configuration of a metal liner for a reinforced concrete pressure vessel is disclosed wherein only stud shear connectors and cooling tubes of the liner cooling system are used to anchor the liner and the passages provided in the liner and the wall of the vessel. In the areas of the introduction of forces, stud connectors of different stud rigidities are used. In the anchoring of loads which is again effected by stud connectors only, further transmission is obtained by means of reinforcing rods.

Abstract: A cistern made of layers of arcuate blocks provided with openings in which reinforcing rings and rods are deposited, the openings being arranged such that mortar can be spread throughout the structure to form a monolithic construction. Wedge-shaped openings are formed in the blocks in radial disposition and removable wedges are placed therein to form permanent openings in the construction, the wedges being removed after the mortar has set. Metal circular rings are also placed on each leg or block and each of the rings are coupled together by vertical depending rods before the cement is forced through the hollow openings of the layers of arcuate blocks.

Abstract: Thermal insulation is prepared from a series of insulative elements capable of being interconnected with each other, and a series of protective sheet elements which when fitted over the insulative elements protect the insulative elements from the environment.

Abstract: In its preferred embodiment, the improved frame-supported membrane has a membrane of light-gauge, corrosion resistant nickel alloy construction, this membrane being suspended within a base-supported frame. The membrane-to-frame hanger is designed for easy installation and provides for radial expansion of the membrane relative to the frame, yet restrains the membrane against implosive force and earthquake shear. For some installations, the improved frame-supported membrane may constitute the chimney without need for there being further provided a circumferentially surrounding masonry chimney column. In any event such a masonry chimney column if provided may serve primarily merely as a wind shield for the improved frame-supported membrane.

Abstract: An upright generally cylindrical bin is provided including a plurality of peripherally spaced upstanding structural members relatively anchored at their lower ends. Each of the structural members includes a horizontally elongated main wall member supported therefrom and extending vertically therealong and which projects outwardly from the structural member in opposite directions toward the peripherally adjacent structural members. Adjacent ends of adjacent main wall members are spaced apart and include bevelled end edges defining, together, an included angle greater than the angle between radial planes of the bin containing those end edges.

Abstract: An insulated tank jacketing system for storage tank structures of the type used for oil, water, etc., wherein insulated panel systems having upstanding and opposed side flanges are affixed to wire cables or the like on the outside wall of the tank structure by means of a continuous fastener interposed around each cable and positioned between the side flanges of adjacent panels and held in place by having the side flanges of adjacent panels rolled over each other with the fastener being locked within the closure roll thus allowing all component parts of the system, including the cable, to expand and contract relative to each other with no restriction.

Abstract: A bulk storage building structure for storing grain, dried clay and other granular products in which the normally encountered lateral pressure exerted on the walls of the structure is minimized by the spaced, slatted configuration of the walls which accommodates the angle of repose of the stored material. This configuration effectively increases the total available surface area of the structure such that the structure may be made as large as is necessary of practicable without the expensive wall reinforcements required for conventional storage structures.

Abstract: Vertical boards or tank segments are compressed by outer horizontal bands that cause the vertical edges of these tank segments to press together. Each tank segment has a web and edge structures that are thicker than the web measured in a radial direction in the finished tank. The compression of the horizontal bands causes these edge sections to exert a bending movement on the web, bending the web outwardly until it contacts the outer horizontal bands. One size of tank segment, therefore, serves for a large number of different diameters of cylindrical tank. The webs are formed flat, and the thickened edges are preferably tongue-and-groove configuration.

Abstract: A silo is provided with a thickened section along one portion of its circumference and located therein is a passage extending from top to bottom of the silo. This passage opens into the silo by means of an unobstructed opening which also runs from top to bottom of the silo. This opening may be covered by a series of doors which may be automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the silo unloading operation.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete pressure vessel capable of containing extremely high pressures in an internal cavity, 10,000 psi and higher, is constructed in such a way as to enable the application of extremely high circumferential prestressing force at the outer cylindrical surface. The extreme circumferential post-tensioning force, much greater than previously known in prestressed concrete pressure vessels, provides for containment of extreme pressure in the internal cavity, with a relatively thin-wall vessel. In order to accommodate the high circumferential post-tensioning without structural damage at the interior of the vessel, the vessel includes vertical stress relieving slots extending radially outwardly from the internal cavity surface, effective to lower peak tangential compressive stress at the cavity surface and to relocate peak stress inside the vessel wall, where the concrete is confined.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical tank is insulated by affixing thermal insulation panels on the side walls thereof using generally helically disposed tension elements such as wire to maintain the panels in position at least during installation.

Abstract: A reinforced plastic tank and method for producing the same, in which a steel plate base is provided for minimizing the bottom deflection of the tank under hydrostatic pressure when buried under ground. The base has a plate member with an annular flange extending outwardly from the top surface thereof. A plastic cup is disposed within the area surrounded by the flange, and an epoxy adhesive is injected between the cup and the steel plate and flange to adhere the cup to the steel. The side wall of the cup extends past the edge of the flange. The base assembly is then mounted on a mandrel and the fiberglass side wall is formed over the steel flange and the exposed side wall of the cup, and extends from the steel base to the desired height of the tank.

Abstract: The reactor for the production of CO and H.sub.2 containing gases by means of a partial oxidation of powdery or liquid high ash fuels in a carburation fluid including free oxygen, at high temperatures and increased pressure, includes a pressure vessel enclosing a gas-tight housing whereby an interspace is formed between the inner wall of the vessel and the outer surface of the housing. Within the housing is arranged a cooling wall enclosing the reaction chamber proper. The cooling wall includes a coil of cooling pipes embedded in a mass of refractory material such as silicium carbide. The pipes are partially supported on web sections projecting from the inner surface of the housing into the refractory lining. The web sections prevent propagation of leaking hot gas from the reaction chamber along the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: Preformed panels having a layer of insulation secured to the rear surface of a facing layer are retained in position against a wall by horizontally disposed banding having resiliently coupled ends. A vertical member along one side edge portion of a panel has a spring portion terminating in a flange angled outwardly away from the facing sheet so that a side edge portion of the next adjacent facing sheet may be inserted therebetween and clamped against the facing sheet of the first panel to thereby interlock adjacent horizontally disposed panels.

Abstract: Large openings in a storage tank wall caused by cracks appearing therein are prevented by surrounding such wall with a plurality of rings which are spaced apart from the wall to be structurally independent of that wall. Such structurally independent rings are not susceptible to stressing forces exerted on the wall.

Abstract: A stave assembly which cooperates with a plurality of staves to form a hot tub wall includes in a preferred embodiment a narrow stave having a projecting support for a seat, shelf, ladder or the like. The narrow stave is abutted by a pair of slats each of which have a chamfered edge for abutting adjacent staves. In other embodiments the stave assembly includes a stave with a support for a seat, step or the like embedded therein.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete tank with a wall of precast concrete panels surrounded by a cast-in-place beam, the beam and panels being prestressed by metal members in tension, encased within or placed around the outside of the beam.

Abstract: A storage tank having a shell in the form of a body of revolution mounted on supporting uprights. The guides equispaced around the external surface of the shell, along its generatrix, accommodate flexible elements whose ends are attached to the tensioning devices located on the top and bottom of the shell. This tank is durable, retains its shape in service and is easily suited for transportation.

Abstract: In a large size receptacle, e.g. for a mixture of liquid and solid manure, the peripheral wall comprises a circular series of reinforced concrete slabs having a plain external surface and presenting, at each vertical joint between successive slabs, groove shaped recesses or notches for receiving circumferentially extending pre-stressing wires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure combination for pressure vessels comprising a carrier cover in contact with a sealing cover for covering and closing an opening in a pressure vessel by contact with a flange member of a liner element disposed within the opening in the pressure vessel and sealed by a sealing means in communication with the flange member and the sealing cover.

Abstract: A combined fastener and tension indicator means employed for securing the ends of a band having undulations formed therein. The band is employed for retaining insulation panels which have been applied over the exterior surface of a structure to be insulated thereby. The structure to be insulated is caused to expand and/or contract depending upon the surrounding atmospheric conditions. A tension is applied to the band to insure the band always being in close contact with the exterior surface of the structure to which the panels have been applied. The undulations formed in the band together with the amount of tension applied to the band will permit for the structure to which the panels have been applied to expand and/or contract while still retaining the insulation panels in close contact with the exterior surface of the structure to which the panels have been applied.

Abstract: An improved bin is adapted to receive and store materials having fluid properties, such as liquids and granular materials. The bin is made of a fiberglass reinforced plastic material, and has a circular bottom arranged to rest on a foundation, and a cylindrical side wall bonded to a marginal portion of the bottom and extending upwardly therefrom. A cable has its lower end suitably anchored proximate the bottom, has its intermediate length helically wound around the outside of the side wall, and has its upper end suitably anchored proximate the top of the side wall. The improved bin also includes a plurality of vertical members, also formed of a fiberglass reinforced plastic material, spaced circumferentially around the inner surface of the side wall. Each vertical member defines with the side wall a sealed tubular cavity extending upwardly from the bottom.

Abstract: Supporting structure for a large natural draft cooling tower consisting of a central tower support in the form of a hollow column of reinforced concrete and hyperboloid-shaped cooling tower mantle supported by the central tower support with the aid of cables and tie rings at the top and bottom of the cooling tower mantle. The upper tie ring is suspended from the top of the central tower support by means of a series of inclined supporting cables and the lower tie ring is connected to the upper tie ring by means of two sets of oppositely diagonally inclined mantle supporting cables, under a downwardly directed preload, forming a hyperboloid-shaped cable grid. To this grid are attached the section panels of the cooling tower mantle. The cable preload is provided by means of holding cables extending between the lower tie ring and a series of ground anchors, or by means of the diagonally inclined cables themselves which may be attached to the ground anchors.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical tank is insulated by affixing thermal insulation panels on the side walls thereof using generally helically disposed tension elements such as wire to maintain the panels in position at least during installation.

Abstract: A wall-base joint for a concrete tank is constructed by providing in a base a groove larger than the width of a tank wall, placing the wall in the groove to leave a groove portion on each side of the wall, prestressing the wall with a first compressive force, filling the inner (with respect (with respect to the center line of the base) groove portion with concrete and curing it to form a first plug therein, prestressing the wall further with a second compressive force to counteract a fraction of the bending moments produced by the liquid in the tank when it is full, and filling the outer groove portion with concrete and curing it to form a second plug to lock the inner plug into permanent compression.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete tank comprising a wall of precast concrete panels, cast continuous beams surrounding the wall of panels, the beams including metal prestressing means, and vertically spaced liquid barriers positioned between the inside of the tank and the prestressing means.

Abstract: A jacketing system for cylindrical storage tank structures of the type used for oil, water, etc., wherein vertically disposed insulated panel sections are affixed to wire cable members or the like on the outside walls of the tank structures and improved articulated fasteners are provided for securing the panel sections to the wire cable members.

Abstract: A tank constructed of either cast-in-place concrete, or of precast panels of concrete which are separated from each other around the periphery of the tank with the open spaces between the panels being filled with concrete filler units poured in place. One or more collar-like horizontally-lying concrete beams surround the wall of the tank and reinforce it. Each beam is reinforced by one or more tendons encased within the beam.