Abstract: A prefabricated former for an underground pump station comprises: a floor former; a plurality of vertical support elements; a side wall secured to and surrounding the plurality of vertical support elements, the side wall having an inner layer and an outer layer defining a cavity therebetween, and an opening at an upper end of the side wall in communication with the cavity for receiving concrete, the side wall extending both above and below the floor former for defining a space above the floor former and a space below the floor former, and an opening being provided between the cavity and the space below the floor former enabling concrete to flow through the cavity and into the space below the floor former; when set, the concrete forming a unitary wall and base.

Abstract: The inventive technology disclosed herein, in embodiments, relates to a shower stall system that may include an inventive shower drain adaptor ring 11; an inventive anti-ligature grab rail system 30; and inventive, drop-in shower installation related apparatus and methods. Note that all of these may find application in a prison environment, but may find application in other environments as well (e.g., grab rail in kitchen, shower drain adaptor ring in residential shower, etc.).

Abstract: A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.

Abstract: A waterjet safety enclosure formed by walls using a detection device or light curtain to detect unsafe conditions. The waterjet safety enclosure walls can be used in new work areas or retrofitted and shaped to fit existing work areas. The waterjet safety enclosure walls may form a partial or complete perimeter about a work area and may be adjustable or mobile. The waterjet safety enclosure wall detects unsafe conditions when a high pressure stream of water from a waterjet cutting machine approaches, contacts or penetrates the waterjet safety enclosure wall. The detection device detects the high pressure stream of water and sends a signal to a controller to stop the operation of the waterjet cutting machine.

Abstract: An adaptable, modular, multi-purpose (AMM) space vehicle backplane may accommodate boards and components for various missions. The AMM backplane may provide a common hardware interface and common board-to-board communications. Components, connectors, test points, and sensors may be embedded directly into the backplane to provide additional functionality, diagnostics, and system access. Other space vehicle sections may plug directly into the backplane.

Abstract: A structural assembly (20) providing both a surface (21) and an insulating stratum associated with the surface. The assembly (20) can comprise structural members (23-24) and pods (30) associated with the structural members (23-24). The pods (30) contribute to structural integrity, thermal insulation, and/or sound attenuation. The pods or pod-like material can be used in or on horizontal or vertical cavities, in or on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and/or incorporated into a structural assembly or equipment housing.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid storage tank includes a base plate and side wall extending upwardly. The base plate and side wall include an outer leaf enveloping an inner leaf. The outer leaf part of the base plate includes a lower, outer leaf concrete bottom plate on a substrate. The bottom plate is continuous with an outer leaf reinforced concrete layer of the outer side wall. An inward surface of the bottom plate and concrete layer of the outer leaf are lined with a continuous outer leaf metallic membrane. A bottom insulation layer is arranged above the outer leaf metallic membrane on the bottom plate. The inner leaf includes an inner leaf concrete bottom layer on the bottom insulation portion. The inner leaf metal membrane is lined with an inner leaf inner concrete layer. The outer leaf hoop stress reinforced outer concrete wall supporting an insulated dome structure.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel includes a rigid foam core without thermal bridging. A particular embodiment includes a rigid foam core having first and second faces, a plurality of stud channels being formed on the first and second faces of the rigid foam core, each of the stud channels being formed in the rigid foam core in an L-shape in cross-section. The particular embodiment includes a plurality of studs being insertable into the plurality of stud channels such that one face of each of the plurality of studs being external to the first and second faces of the rigid foam core and substantially flush with a face of the rigid foam core, each of the plurality of studs being fabricated using no more than four bends to produce a stud with a hat channel shape in cross-section.

Abstract: A shear wall structure is formed on a building wall or section thereof designed to accommodate anticipated wind or seismic shear loads by initially securing one or more subsurface shear panels on the interior or exterior sides of the wood or steel framing studs. Each shear panel consists of a thin steel sheet (0.015? to 0.060? thick) laminated to a thin rigid sheet material such as medium density fiberboard ( 1/16? to ¼? thick). Subsequently, the shear panels are covered with a conventional interior (e.g., drywall panels) or exterior (e.g., plaster) finishing materials.

Abstract: A masonry cavity wall structure includes a cast-in-place reinforced concrete structural wall member erected between and in confronting engagement with the outer side of a first, inner masonry wythe and the inner side of an outwardly spaced-away, upstanding wall of rigid insulation panels supported by wire tie members in embedded engagement in the mortar joints of the inner wythe, the inner wythe and tie-supported insulation panels also being used during construction of the cavity wall to provide the supporting concrete formwork for the poured structural wall member. A second, outer veneer wythe is erected a predetermined spaced distance outwardly from the insulation panels and forms an airspace cavity therebetween, the wire tie members also engaged in the mortar joints of the second, outer wythe whereby to structurally tie the masonry cavity wall together.

Abstract: The instant invention is a metallic device or porthole for use with communication antenna supporting structure, such as monopoles. The porthole of the instant invention includes an integrally connected backing bar that following the method of installation meets proper welding requirements.

Abstract: A buried vault enclosure of fiber reinforced plastic, wherein earth material, such as dirt, sand, and rocks, substantially covers the entire enclosure. The vault enclosure includes a plurality of prefabricated panels formed from pultruded members having a plastic reinforced composition. The prefabricated panels, includes a plurality of bonded vertical panels, a floor panel attached to a lower end of the vertical panels; and a ceiling panel attached to an upper end of the vertical panels. The pultruded panels for constructing the vault enclosure include an outer planar sheet, an inner planar sheet and a plurality of support members that are spaced from each other. The support members are bonded or integrally connected between the inner sheet and the outer sheet so that the inner and outer sheets sandwich the support members. Each support member preferably includes opposing substantially planar surfaces for supporting the inner and outer sheets and a web member between the planner surface.

Abstract: The shower structure comprises a base for containing water, two panels and a two-part elongated joint. The base comprises a doorstep, a base edge and a bottom. The base edge has an inner portion lower than upper surface of the doorstep. Each panel has a first panel edge provided with an inner portion for contact with the inner portion of the base edge for fitting the base and the panel in a watertight manner, a second panel edge also provided with an inner portion. The joint includes an outer part having, along its length, two distal joint edges. Each joint edge is adapted for connection to the inner portion of the second panel edge for fitting the panel and the outer part of the joint together. An inner part of the joint is connected to the outer part for sealing the base and panels together in a watertight manner.

Abstract: The present invention is method and resulting assembly for applying a flexible liner to the outer surface of a pre-cast concrete walled container to be buried in an earthen excavation.

Abstract: An integral and structural wall panel for a generally studless house where the wall panel is in effect the stud (instead of a two inch by four inch piece of dimensional lumber being the stud) and where the wall panel is a vapor barrier (instead of the polyethylene sheet being the vapor barrier). The wall panel runs integrally, or as generally one-piece, from end to end of an exterior wall, from the top to bottom of an exterior wall, and from face to face of the exterior wall, thereby directly transmitting load from end to end, top to bottom, and from face to face and thereby minimizing joints where vapor leakage may occur. The wall panel is generally impervious to water vapor even though formed of an organic material such as wood, preferably oriented strand board, rendering a polyethylene or metallic water vapor barrier optional.

Abstract: A shower curb is built by stacking two or three horizontally disposed 2″×4″ boards in a vertical stack and covering them with a shower liner. A three-sided frame having upstanding parallel front and back walls that depend from and are perpendicular to a top wall is placed over the liner and the boards. The frame is lattice-like and has a large plurality of openings formed in it. A cementitious material is applied to the frame so that the material enters into the openings and is screeded until it completely covers the boards and is flush with the frame. Ceramic tiles are then laid in overlying relation to the resulting structure. In a second embodiment, the top wall of the frame is pitched toward the shower to provide drainage.

Abstract: A floor, wall and ceiling construction for a magnetically shielded room which provides a stable and homogeneous magnetically shielded space or environment having an extremely high attenuation value while absorbing exterior as well as interior vibrations.

Abstract: A structure intended for above-ground use has a floor support structure including at least one substantially horizontal member. A floor sheet having an upper surface and an area bounded by a perimeter is supported by the floor support structure, and at least one wall extends upwardly from the floor sheet. In order to preclude rodents and other small vertebrates from the interior of the structure, the structure is provided with an intrusion barrier disposed between the substantially horizontal member and the floor sheet. The intrusion barrier underlies substantially all of the area of the floor sheet and, at the perimeter of the floor sheet, extends upwardly to at least the upper surface of the floor sheet so that rodents and other small vertebrates are precluded from entering the structure from below. The structure may also have a roof including exterior roofing material, a support system for the exterior roofing material, and a second intrusion barrier overlaying the support system.

Abstract: A head structure is disclosed which includes a novel deck, bulkhead and overhead coating which prevents moisture, especially corrosive sea water, or salt atmosphere from reaching the underlying deck, bulkhead or overhead even if the surface of the coating is damaged or penetrated. The coating provides an attractive and highly durable surface which is easily cleaned and resists staining or discoloring. The novel coating in connection with the unique head design allows a head to be easily and rapidly cleaned and maintained a daily basis by simple wash-and wipe techniques requiring minimal crew involvement time. This permits crew members to be able to devote more of their time to education and productive endeavors rather than to maintenance. The head has a deck, bulkhead and an overhead, most or all of which are susceptible to corrosion in the salt water environment.

Abstract: A fire resistant and sound insulating wall structure, particularly for the ship building industry, includes vertical stiffeners and a surface plate attached to the vertical stiffeners, preferably by gluing. A relatively thin corrugated plate is attached to the surface plate by gluing. The corrugations of the corrugated plate are substantially horizontally oriented and accordingly the corrugated plate provides horizontal stiffness. The glue attachment of the surface plate to the vertical stiffeners is preferably secured by means of screws for maintaining the fire-resisting properties of the structure in the event of the glue being destroyed by the heat of a fire.

Abstract: A transportable form structure for use in making a building. In accordance with the invention modular interlocking form blocks are stacked on a base frame and then secured so that the blocks do not become dislodged when encountering stresses during transport. Preferably the blocks are securing by applying a vertically directed compression force to the walls of the structure about the periphery thereof. When the form structure is completed, it is both strong and light weight. It can be lifted onto a vehicle and transported to a location of installation. At an installation location, the form structure is secured to a foundation, and filled with a filler material such as concrete.

Abstract: Load bearing panels and walls for habitable shelters are formed from relatively thin wall metallic tubing on widely spaced centers joined by a multiplicity of joint systems including shrink fit lap splicing, detent forming at standardized positional increments and frictional heat dissipation. The metallic tubing is arranged in rows along a line as well as intersecting rows along a second perpendicular line so as to form a load bearing panel with rows of tubes lying in a single plane. Tubing elements of one row intersecting and secured to the tubing elements of the second row without mechanical fasteners. Discreet interference fit tolerances facilitate the construction of a non-welded, stress distributing structure highly suitable for earthquake resistance and wildfire survival.

Abstract: A construction wall system comprising, an inner rigid panel and an outer rigid panel of rectangular shape and defining length and breadth dimensions and defining side edges on either side and end edges on ends. The panels being spaced apart from one another with plurality of intermediate junction strips secured between the inner and outer panels, in parallel spaced apart relation, at spaced intervals. A plurality of end junction strips are secured between said inner and outer panels adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and spaced inwardly from the side edges to define junction channels along the side edges between the inner and outer panels. A plurality of spacer strips are secured between the inner and outer panels the spacer strips being spaced inwardly relative to the end edges of the panels to define end junction channels between the inner and outer panels.

Abstract: Enclosure 1 constructed of panels 20 which can be joined by tongue and groove or press fit spline 46 and groove 26 technique. Acoustic shielding is achieved by properly selected materials of construction, e.g. syntactic, cellular composites. The doorway 10 of the enclosure is closed by a door 210 penetrated only by a guide 175. The latch mechanism 170 and 340 seals the door against the door jamb 185 by means of cam rollers 316 which engage indentations 189 (which may have specialized cam surfaces or inclined surfaces) along the door frame. The latch mechanism can be actuated from either side of the door by mechanical means engaging the guide.

Abstract: A pre-insulated prefab wall panel comprising of a rectangular wall frame having top and bottom rail members and a plurality of spaced apart stud members aligned between the top and bottom rail members. A polystyrene boardstock is affixed to a first side of the rectangular wall frame, thereby defining with the top and bottom rail members and the plurality of stud members a plurality of rectangular cavities, wherein each cavity has a depth of the thickness of a stud member. The prefab wall panel further has a layer of foamed-in-place polyurethane covering a portion of each cavity adjoining the boardstock, and bonding the structural wall frame to the polystyrene boardstock. The layer of polyurethane foam has a thickness which is substantially less than the depth of each cavity, whereby each cavity has available space for accommodating sub-trade installations.

Abstract: A composite insulated building structure which can be fabricated on site. Structural members are lined with secondary framing strips to minimize thermal conduction therethrough from interior to exterior walls. The structural members are applied in a staggered fashion to increase the effectiveness of the insulation. Interior and exterior walls of the structure are formed and then filled with insulation by pouring, thereby causing bonding of the insulation to the walls. Excess insulation material flows out into the unfilled structural void or over the top of the section to avoid undue stress on the shell.

Abstract: A metallic structure having an inner and outer enclosure fastened to a skid base having an upper and lower deck. The inner and outer enclosures are made from steel sheets with stiffeners fastened to the inner surface of the outer enclosure and outer surface of the inner disclosure. The inner and outer stiffeners are offset from one another and extend into the space between the enclosures about on-half of the space width. Fire and impact resistance insulation is introduced into the space in liquid or slurry form to fill the space between the inner and outer enclosures.

Abstract: There is provided a partition wall which is characterized in that studs are secured to upper and lower runners fitted to a substrate in a zigzag arrangement or as common studs; that basic face materials are fitted to the skeleton through sound insulation materials so that the face materials are arranged, in parallel, on both outer sides of the studs, while the studs are internally positioned; and that a hard gypsum sheet comprising fibers dispersed in the gypsum core thereof is arranged on the corresponding outer side of each basic face material. This partition wall is particularly suitable for use as a dry party wall, has satisfactory characteristic properties such as fire protecting properties, sound insulation properties, deformation-follow-up properties, out-of-plane flexural rigidity and hardness. The wall comprises gypsum based construction materials as the top end boards and thus the weight and wall thickness thereof can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a fireproof and hurricane proof building having a concrete floor, a plurality of special wall assemblies, and a special roof assembly. Each special wall assembly comprises a reinforced cinder block wall, foam, stucco, fireproof coatings, steel studs, and fire retardant gypsum plaster. The special roof assembly comprises steel trusses, steel joists, metal sheets, and fireproof tiles. The windows and doors are fireproof and hurricane proof. The special wall assemblies, special roof assembly, and concrete floor are interconnected to form an air tight, fireproof and hurricane proof enclosure.

Abstract: A structure for encapsulating an existing building includes an underpinning system for mounting on the existing building. The underpinning system includes a perimeter frame assembly with side and end rafts, outrigger assemblies mounted on the side rails and scissor jack assemblies recounted on the end rails. A shell system is mounted on the perimeter frame assembly and includes side walls, end walls and a roof. Door assemblies are installed in the end walls. A method of encapsulating an existing building includes the steps of providing an underpinning system, fastening the underpinning system to the existing building, providing a shell system with side walls, end walls, a roof and an open bottom, and receiving the existing building through the shed system open bottom for placing the shell system in covering relation over the existing building.

Abstract: A modular house includes a floor assembly, a peripheral wall assembly and a roof assembly. The floor assembly includes an annular frame unit adapted to be received fittingly within a rectangular cavity of the ground, and a floor unit fitted within the frame unit. The frame unit includes two U-shaped frames which abut against each other side by side and which has an annular floor slot unit formed in the inner peripheral surface thereof, and an annular groove formed in the top surface thereof. The floor unit includes two rectangular floor halves having outer peripheries which are engaged within the floor slot unit of the frame unit. Four vertical corner pillars stand on the corners of the floor assembly and have lower ends retained in the annular groove of the frame unit so as to define four wall spaces, in each of which at least one rail, a heating insulating plate unit and a sound absorbing plate unit are provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses to an interlocking insulated panel building system that has expanded polystyrene panels sandwiched between inner and outer oriented strand board (OSB) skins. Structural strength is enhanced and thermal shorts are reduced by use of channels formed from typically 22 gauge (0.03") galvanized steel. The panels are interfitted by a tongue-and-groove system. The components of the system are wall panels, headers, sills, beams, and roof panels.

Abstract: A truss which is premanufactured and shipped to a job site for the construction of supper-insulated buildings walls has a two-by-four stud which is joined to a two-by-two stud positioned in spaced parallel relation to the first stud to form a twelve inch wide insulation cavity. The two-by-two stud is spaced from the two-by-four stud by spacers and is rigidly supported by diagonal cross braces. The braces and spacers are joined to the two-by-four stud by truss plates. A foundation, is especially designed to accommodate the wall truss members. The truss has a sill extension 81/2 inches wide formed of two-by-twos. The extension extends downwardly from the truss structure to provide an insulation face across the front of a step in the foundation. The wall trusses may be manufactured with the same equipment as utilized in the construction of floor and rafter trusses formed of dimensional two-by-fours.

Abstract: An enclosed swimming pool is disclosed having floor, side and roof members formed of panels of polyurethane material covered on the interior and exterior surfaces thereof with a layer of fiberglass reinforced resinous material to form a monolithic enclosure for holding a quantity of water and an opening in the side wall member to permit access to the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A housing for telecommunication equipment is provided having a supporting base including a concrete floor poured in place and supported above the surface of a concrete pad or in ground excavation on a supporting framework formed of expanded metal, preferably steel. A layer of metal foil, insulation or other sheet material in interposed on the expanded metal to form a fluid tight surface for pouring thereon of the liquid concrete mixture.

Abstract: A structure for encapsulating an existing building includes an underpinning system for mounting on the existing building. The underpinning system includes a perimeter frame assembly with side and end rails, outrigger assemblies mounted on the side rails and scissor jack assemblies mounted on the end rails. A shell system is mounted on the perimeter frame assembly and includes side walls, end walls and a roof. Door assemblies are installed in the end walls. A method of encapsulating an existing building includes the steps of providing an underpinning system, fastening the underpinning system to the existing building, providing a shell system with side walls, end walls, a roof and an open bottom, and receiving the existing building through the shell system open bottom for placing the shell system in covering relation over the existing building.

Abstract: An oven module for use in industrial baking applications is disclosed having apparatus for accommodating the longitudinal thermal expansion in the interior walls of the oven module located intermediate the ends of the module. The oven module is easily assembled into an oven baking line because its ends are fixed and do not vary due to thermal expansion. Therefore, the present oven module alleviates numerous disadvantages in the shipping and assembly of an oven baking line which has been experienced with prior known oven modules. The floor, walls and roof of the oven module have both an interior and an exterior structure so that the interior surfaces of the oven module can be independently and rigidly supported. At opposite ends of the module, the interior and exterior structures for the floor, walls and roof are fixed to a common support member.

Abstract: A building (1) or other walled structure has a foundation (6) formed of concrete or the like, a substantially rigid load bearing space frame (2) comprising a plurality of beams (4) and columns (3) secured to the foundation, and lightweight wall panels (5) extending between the columns. The lower edges of the wall panels are located and supported by elongate inserts (12) e.g. angle irons, in channels (11) formed in the foundation, and the upper edges are engaged in downwardly facing channels formed in the beams. In upper stories, the lower edges of wall panels are engaged in upwardly facing channels also formed in the beams.

Abstract: A modular panel system for constructing buildings. Panels are made from column structures which form fit so that they slide together to create the panel. Panels are specially constructed so that they serve as air conduits, through which air, both to and from the living space of the modular panel home passes. For use in cool weather, cool air is drawn from the living space into the wall panels of this invention, transferred to a solar panel air system where it is heated. The heated air is then transferred from the solar panel system into other wall panels of this invention and through these wall panels and into a specially designed heat collection floor panel. The heat collection floor panel receives the solar panel heated air which in turn heats a storage material in the floor panel and then is expelled into the living space for heating thereof. Once in the living space the air is cooled down and is drawn back into return wall panels.

Abstract: A wall stud assembly for a wall of an in-plant/portable building wherein the wall includes interfitting wall stud assemblies and wall panels is disclosed. The stud assembly comprises first and second stud members, each of which is generally U-shaped in cross-section and has an open side and a base side. In addition, a strut is positioned longitudinally between the first and second stud members and affixed to the base sides of the stud members, with the open sides of the stud members facing outwardly. Each stud member has laterally extending flanges. The flanges of one stud member are in spaced generally parallel relation to the flanges of the other stud member to sandwich a wall panel therebetween.

Abstract: An audiometric booth made from modular acoustic panels is provided. The panels comprise simple yet effective means for connecting the panels together without need for separate fasteners. The simple connector means permit the audiometric booth to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools, except for attaching the hinges of the door that provides access to the interior of the booth. The panels and associated members coact so that the fully assembled booth has no exposed grooves or openings at the ends or junctions of the various panels and so that the door makes an acoustic seal with the enclosure.

Abstract: Structural wall reinforcement method and apparatus for reinforcing a wall comprising a plurality of post-tensioned cable assemblies and wire mesh embedded in a layer of concrete-like material for applying compressive forces to the wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hollow panel wall assembly and kit design for simple and inexpensive building construction. The assembly comprises top and bottom elongate plates, studs, and wall panels. The elongate plates support both the wall panels and the vertical studs. The plates further have transverse channels into which fit the studs. The studs themselves have lengthwise grooves into which fit the tapered edges of the wall panels. This construction is easy to assemble and results in decreased housing manufacture costs.

Abstract: A service building (10) having a base assembly (20) formed with a perimeter support portion (21) and a floor portion (22). The perimeter support portion (21) utilizes weight bearing side rails (23) with one or more transverse, weight supporting beam means (35) extending between at least one pair of opposite side rails (23). Decking sheets (30), insulating mats (44) and sump pans (48) are supported from the side rails (23) and beam means (35). Wall panel assemblies (60) are secured to the perimeter support portion (21) by sill connector assemblies (78). Post assemblies (105, 135 and 165) between the wall panel assemblies (60) secure adjacent wall panel assemblies together. A roof (not shown) may be secured to the service building (10) using connector assemblies substantially identical with the post assemblies.

Abstract: Panels which are assembled to form a stall shower are prefabricated. Each panel has a facing of tile adhered to a plywood backing. On the rear of the backings are elongated vertical ribs. The lower edges of the ribs are notched to interfit with a shower base. The upper edges are notched to interfit with a shower ceiling. The outer edges of the ribs are either attached to studding or are covered with wallboard. The panels comprise four corners, a back, two sides and two door jambs. In addition to the shower base and ceiling, additional members include a shower door curb and a header.

Abstract: A prefabricated elevator shaft module is foldable for volume reduction for transport and storage. The side walls of the module each include hinge points defining two vertical axes, one axis being inwardly foldable and the other axis being outwardly foldable. When the walls are folded together, apertures in a lower angle frame and a hinge lug are aligned for the insertion of a bolt for the mechanical fixation in the folded together position.

Abstract: A method for sealing a controlled-atmosphere storage room used for storing fruits and vegetables includes the steps of sealing each three-way corner of the room with a gas-impermeable material, sealing the vertical intersections of the walls with the same gas-impermeable material, sealing the horizontal intersection of wall and floor and wall and ceiling with the same gas-impermeable material, and substantially completely covering each wall and the ceiling with continuous sheets of said gas-impermeable material. The order of sealing the wall and ceiling surfaces and the horizontal and vertical intersections is not critical to the method. A synthetic rubber or chlorosulfonated polyethylene in sheet form is a suitable material.

Abstract: A structural insulated panel system including individual panels for forming the floor, walls and roof of a structure. Each panel has an insulative rigid foam core with a rigid foam layer having an overhang extending outwardly beyond the edges of the core. Interior sheathing is placed over the core layer. Exterior sheathing is placed over the outer surface of the core and has an overhang which extends slightly beyond the core edges. Channels are formed around the core edges and receive plates at the top and bottom and transition studs at the side edges. When a structure is assembled with the panels, transition members are placed in the channels along the side edges and are overlapped by the foam layer overhangs and the sheathing overhangs to effectively seal and enclose the structure.

Abstract: The body of a cabinet for storing temperature-sensitive articles such as magnetic discs and tapes is built by a process which involves the successive steps of (i) fabricating an internal skin; (ii) attaching so-called "phase-change" material to the skin; (iii) applying insulative polyurethane foam in-situ to the structure of step (ii); (iv) casting concrete or the like water-bearing material around the structure of step (iii); and (v) completing the outer finishing skin. Thus the conventional "double-box" structure is avoided. The door for the cabinet can be built by a similar sequence in which "phase-change" material, insulative form and water-bearing layers are applied successively to a pan forming the internal face of the door.

Abstract: A light weight composite panel for use in vaults or strong rooms, having a foamed plastic core, metal mesh embedded in the major faces of the core, a layer of wood on each face of the plastic core, and a sheet metal skin covering the layers of wood. An inner one of the sheet metal skins is preferably a heat conductive metal, such as aluminum.