Abstract: A composite structure comprising a plurality of support members (11) arranged to form a decking member within a slab (15) said support members (11) comprising a pair of flange members (13, 14) joined by connecting a connecting web member (12), at least one flange member (11) having a lip portion.A support member (11) comprising a pair of flange members (13, 14) joined by a connecting web member (12), at least one flange member having a lip portion, said lip portion comprising a ridge member and depending stepped portion.

Abstract: A modular unit for use in constructing a framework of a building consisting of a plurality of modular units in connected relationship having a floor portion with longitudinal and lateral perimeter members. The longitudinal and lateral perimeter members are joined by joists interconnecting the perimeter members and welded thereto with a corrugated metal decking overlying the joists. The joists are made from a sheet steel configuration which has been bent into a Z shaped configuration with upturned lateral portions. Plywood sheeting overlies the corrugated metal decking. The entire structure incorporates wheel wells for the enplacement of wheels so that the modular unit can be towed into place. Trusses in the roof are support the roof and are attached at the cord sections to upright structural columns. The modular unit are held together by bolts which can be later secured by welding between the perimeter members, the columns, and the truss areas.

Abstract: A cold-forming method is disclosed for thinning localized, longitudinally extending portions of sheet metal by lateral shear deformation without any substantial longitudinal deformation. With such method, it is possible to produce elongated members which are thinned in zones of low stress and are thicker in zones of higher stress so as to provide high metal use efficiency. The method is performed by an apparatus including a rotating mandrel providing opposed conical surfaces and pressure rolls operable to apply forces substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mandrel to cause a portion of the sheet metal to yield in shear to reduce the thickness of longitudinally extending portions of the sheet metal. The forces are applied in a plane normal to the length of the strip in order to avoid longitudinal elongation.

Abstract: A composite wood panel of improved edge swell characteristics is provided by applying stabilizing additive to the exposed surface of a layup of wood particles (wafers) from which the panel is to be formed by consolidation as the layup is being produced. The additive is applied only in selected areas one adjacent each side edge of the layup so that the resultant product has in effect stabilizing additive through the thickness of the resultant panel at each side edge. Preferably the additive will be applied as stripes at spaced depths through the layup and these stripes will extend inwardly from each side edge a distance sufficient to stabilize the panel against edge swelling. The preferred additive is an isocyanate type resin adhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a profiled sheet for building purposes, especially roofing and facade sheet, the sheet having a normal profiling and having in addition, at least in certain sections, a corrugated microprofiling deviating from the normal profiling. The microprofiling exhibits flattened and/or pressed-in areas in its crest, valley and/or flank sections resulting in that the thickness of the profiled sheet varies in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction of the microprofiling which agrees with the longitudinal direction of the normal profiling. The flattened and/or pressed-in areas extend in the longitudinal direction of the microprofiling.

Abstract: Integral, elongated panels have sets of converging corrugations arranged on lines defined by folded, transversely triangular elements. These elements extend laterally across the panel, and are dimensioned such that a pair of adjacent parallel side edges of two corresponding panels can mate. Preferably, each corrugation has a planar element arranged on lines generally perpendicular to the side edges defining congruent elements with triangular faces meeting at the apex.By such arrangement, a panel is obtained which in conjunction with other such panels, can produce a curved surface, which curvature may be reversed in direction in any point along a structure surface, by inverting the next adjacent series of panels.

Abstract: A housing for an industrial baghouse constructed of a plurality of panels having a stiffening element integral with the wall. Each panel is similarily constructed in the shape of an elongated "U". The panels are arranged upright in juxtaposition to, and in an alternating manner with, each adjoining panel. A channel is formed between two adjoining panels by overlapping the ends of each panel with the next adjoining panel. This channel creates a stiffening element to give structural rigidity to the housing wall. A housing wall so constructed can withstand the internal pressure associated with a baghouse.

Abstract: A vehicle door guard bar is formed out of a single plate and comprises an elongated main body portion having one side and an opposite side, a bent portion, and a reinforcement portion joined to the main body portion at the one side thereof via the bent portion and fixed to the main body portion. The bent portion has a tubular cross-section.

Abstract: A shallow pan, preferably of tin-coated sheet steel, serves for the production of a self-supporting composite plate, wherein the pan forms the outside wrapper for a filler with high compression resistance, e.g., anhydrite. The pan contains a plurality of punches which provide anchoring with the filler material. To increase the bearing strength of the composite plate, the pan bottom is made up of four intersecting, shallow, bulged-out zones. These zones engage in the middle on a smooth, plate-like elevation and extend each in turn from deep areas along the intersecting symmetry axes of the pan toward the highest areas at each pan corner. The density of the punches in the pan bottom preferably increases from the inside toward the outside.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a square die-cast elevated floor plate having a top continuous or perforated panel reinforced underneath by a polygonal tessellation grid of ribs. All of the ribs of the grid, including their integral ejector pin bosses, and, if desired, the peripheral ribs or border flange, are of the same depth; however, concentric rows of polygons in the tessellation pattern have their ribs gradually increasing in thickness from the border flange to the center of the plate. The polygons in the pattern may comprise squares and octagons in which alternate sides of the octagons have a ratio of one to the square-root-of-two, and the sides of the squares correspond to the sides having the square-root-of-two length. The continuous or perforated top panel may be formed integrally or adhered to the tessellation rib pattern. The rib pattern with its integral ejector pin bosses is preferably symmetrical for at least 180.degree. rotation of its die.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced shell structure of synthetic material has an outer skin supported on a skeleton of longitudinal stringers interconnected by ribs. The stringers have a channel cross-section filled with a hard foam. The ribs have an approximately [ or I-shaped cross-section. The ribs are formed by an outer chord and by an inner chord interconnected by a web. If the structure is cylindrical, for example, the ribs extend circumferentially. The rib webs are made of rib web segments which are displaced relative to each other, for example in the circumferential direction in case of a cylindrical structure. The displacement of the web elements corresponds to the on-center spacing between neighboring longitudinal stringers, whereby the fiber reinforced material of the end portions of the rib web segments merge into rib reinforcing or bracing members, where the ribs intersect the stringers. The rib bracing members alternate in opposite directions along a rib and are filled with a hard foam.

Abstract: A slat wall section includes a plurality of front horizontal members spaced from each other in a front plane. The front members having first and second horizontal edges, both of which have a rearwardly extending lip. Rear horizontal members having first and second horizontal borders are disposed in a rear plane, which is substantially parallel to the front plane. Each section includes first and second ends, with one rear member extending to the first end and one front member extending to the second end. Substantially parallel transverse connecting members extend between, and are generally perpendicular to, the front and rear members. At least one connecting member extends from each of the front members to a rear member. The connecting members are spaced from the first and second horizontal edges of the front members. A first connector defines the first end of the section, and includes a flange extending toward the front plane.

Abstract: An interstitial sub-floor formed of concrete contained in a prefabricated formwork composed of a plurality of rigid plastic eggcrate-type modules positioned adjacent to one another and bonded to one another.

Abstract: Integral, elongated panels have sets of converging corrugations arranged on lines defined by folded, transversely triangular elements. These elements extend laterally across the panel, and are dimensioned such that a pair of adjacent parallel side edges of two corresponding panels can mate. Preferably, each corrugation has a planar element arranged on lines generally perpendicular to the side edge defining congruent elements with triangular faces meeting at the apex.By such arrangement, a panel is obtained which in conjunction with other such panels, can produce a curved surface, which curvature may be reversed in direction in any point along a structure surface, by inverting the next adjacent series of panels.

Abstract: Webs for reducing bending in board-shaped construction elements when in use have their main direction of load perpendicular to the board plane. The devices have a sandwich of at least one first material layer, one second material layer, and one third material layer. The third material layer lies between the other two material layers and has a substantially higher coefficient of heat expansion than the other two material layers, so as to set up contracting biasing forces in the third material layer. The third material is made of a sheet metal strip. The two other materials are made of thermosetting plastic, which sets at a temperature considerably above the working temperature of the construction element.

Abstract: Polyester resin glass fiber-reinforced similar planar panels and roofs formed therefrom incorporating as an integral portion of the panels one or more narrow ridges, including ridges disposed at angles to one another, for accommodating expansion or contraction relative to the substrate on which the same is laid.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a square die-cast elevated floor plate having a top continuous or perforated panel reinforced underneath by a polygonal tessellation grid of ribs. All of the ribs of the grid, including their integral ejector pin bosses and border flange, are of the same depth; however, concentric rows of polygons in the tessellation pattern have their ribs gradually increasing in thickness from the border flange to the center of the plate. The polygons in the pattern may comprise squares and octagons in which alternate sides of the octagons have a ratio of one to the square-root-of-two, and the sides of the squares correspond to the sides having the square-root-of-two length. The continuous or perforated top panel may be formed integrally or adhered to the tessellation rib pattern. The rib pattern with its integral ejector pin bosses is preferably symmetrical for at least 180.degree. rotation of its die.

Abstract: A composite metal/concrete floor system and method of installation. The system includes a novel decking profile; snap-in cover plates to provide longitudinal cells for three services; a lateral trench with sheet metal rails and bottom plates; and cooperating preset inserts.

Abstract: A deck structure is disclosed in which overlapping and interlocking corrugated members, each formed from a single sheet of metal, are covered with a layer of concrete. Each corrugated member has at least one longitudinally extending valley along one side and a substantially flat flange provided on an opposite side. The flange may include spaced-apart longitudinally extending shallow depressions spaced at a distance and configured to receive and interlock with an adjacent member. When the decking is used as a deck form, the end portions of the sheet members may be partially or completely closed. Perforations which may be provided in flange portions of the members, allow water and other liquids to drain through deck form and to be caught in a vented valley portions of an adjacent member.

Abstract: Integral, elongated panels have sets of flanges arranged on lines which define folded, transversely triangular elements. These elements extend laterally across the panel, and are dimensioned such that a pair of adjacent parallel side edges of two corresponding panels can mate. The flanges preferably extend along the entire length of the lines defining the folded transversely triangular elements, and may usefully be linear and arranged on lines defining congruent elements with triangular faces, and sloping side edge portions of the panel. By such arrangement, a panel is obtained which in conjunction with other such panels, can produce a curved surface, which curvature may be reversed in direction in any point along a structure surface, by inverting the next adjacent series of panels.

Abstract: A profiled sheet material is formed into side panels and floor or deck panels for use of example in the manufacture of high-sided lorries, trailers and containers. The profiled sheet material (10) has a plurality of parallel deformations (11) which in cross section are substantially triangular with the base (12) of each deformation spaced from the body of the sheet. The apex of each deformation is formed by closely abutting curved faces of the sheet material (1) where the body of the sheet material is bent into the deformation. Floor or deck plates incorporates strips of timber (50) whose longitudinal faces are tapered. These are located between adjacent pairs of deformations (11) with a tapered faces abutting the respective sides (42,43) of the deformations. A series of indents (41) are also formed along the length of the web (12) of the U-formation. The U-formation is then deformed by pressing the tops of both limbs (42,43) inwardly towards each other to form a triangular formation.

Abstract: A quonset type arched roof shelter construction is disclosed. In one embodiment, the shelter is constructed of corrugated laminated fiberglass panels, each of which has a corrugated construction throughout the main central portion of the length thereof and a molded end portion at each end. The corrugations of each panel have a maximum amplitude midway between the respective end portions and with the amplitude being reduced as the corrugations taper into a generally flat configuration adjacent the end portions. The panels may have a length such as about two feet, with a structure of any desired length being obtained by joining overlapping end portions of successive panels. The number of plies in the laminated panels may be varied throughout the height of the structure and various reinforcing materials may be employed between laminations of fiberglass.

Abstract: An attractive, durable, three-dimensional replacement panel for a soft-drink vending machine or the like. A steel panel is laminated with a polymeric seal layer, printed with a polymeric ink to create a graphic and then overcoated with permanently bonded hard, tough crosslinked polyester material, followed by the application of a temporarily protective polymeric sheet that is applied using a release adhesive.

Abstract: A structural metal sheet employed as an outer sheet for a railway vehicle, for example, is generally pretensioned in order to prevent buckling. Hitherto, the pretensioning is effected by various methods after or during the assembly of a structure. According to the invention, the metal sheet itself is pretensioned by a plastic working for increasing the flexural rigidity thereof. Thus, there is no fear of buckling, and the workmanship is improved as compared with the prior art.

Abstract: A corrugated sheet roof panel has one longitudinal edge formation and one marginal strip of the panel which has a width less than the pitch distance between adjacent corrugations where the edge formation includes a female receptive bead. The opposite longitudinal edge formation of the panel includes a second marginal strip of the panel where the formation includes an inverted U-shaped male bead. The male bead of one panel is adapted to be snapped into the female bead of an adjacent panel to lock adjacent panels together.

Abstract: A flat bed trailer formed of a pair of horizontally spaced longitudinally extending I-beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending tubular members positioned in longitudinally spaced apertures in the I-beams inwardly of their upper portions with the sides of the tubular members being welded to the portions of the I-beams defining the apertures and with the uppermost portions of the tubular members positioned in abutting relation under the upper portions of said I-beams.

Abstract: The underfloor assembly for a building comprises corrugated metal flooring units preferably side-by-side with cable distribution ducts, over which is mounted cable trenches. Each distribution duct has a bottom plate and a plurality of inverted U-shaped members with less than all of the members having portions cut away to thus leave the members open under the trenches. The bottoms of the trenches are open where they intersect the ducts, thereby providing easy access between the trenches and the ducts and additional space below the trench to accommodate splices and bends in the cables.

Abstract: A liquid cooling tower includes precast concrete support legs and cross beams and fiberglass reinforced polyester resin side and top panels. A liquid distribution system is supplied with liquid by a vertically extending main pipe, and a fan and fan motor are supported by the main pipe.

Abstract: A trailer with a unitized floor construction is formed of a pair of horizontally spaced, longitudinally extending beams and a plurality of longitudinally spaced transversely extending cross frame members positioned in aligned longitudinally spaced openings in the upper portions of said beams. A floor is positioned on the upper surfaces of the beams and cross frame members and welded thereto. The cross frame members are cross sectionally U-shaped and with the floor form closed shapes imparting unusual rigidity to the flat bed trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying articles comprising: modular panels adapted to be joined together and fastened to a support wall, each panel having a back wall, a plurality of ribs extending outwardly from the back wall at separated intervals, a plurality of flanges each extending from the other end of the rib to form surfaces parallel to the back wall and coplanar with the surfaces of the other flanges and, to form channels between the back wall and adjacent flanges, a lower extension of the back wall, and an upper extension of the back wall extending beyond the uppermost flange, having a furrow for receiving the lower extension of another panel and having an indentation for indicating positions of bores for driving fasteners through the upper extension to fasten the panel to said wall. The lowermost flange of the other panel covers the fasteners when the lower extension is received by the furrow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structural element for the manufacture of casings, wall disks, boxes and such articles comprising a shell made of thermosetting plastic and preferably reinforced to give it shape stability by reinforcement members which, more particularly, are formed by reinforcement grids composed of iron bars welded to one another and are fully enclosed by the plastic. On account of the enclosed air chambers, these structural elements have good thermal insulation properties. They are exceptionally well suited, for example, for greenhouses, plant boxes and the like.

Abstract: A roofing sheet intended to constitute external roofing, especially for roof constructions for small houses, comprises an upper edge which the mounted state of the sheet extends horizontally and perpendicular to the pitch, and is shaped to act as a beam, a lower edge which extends in parallel with the upper edge and is formed to overlap the upper beam section of an underlying sheet. The upper beam section and the lower edge are connected by groove-shaped portions, which in the mounted state of the sheet extend in the direction of the pitch.

Abstract: A chamber intended for containing the effects arising from explosions, deflagrations, or detonations initiated intentionally or unintentionally inside the chamber. The chamber comprises an essentially cylindrical mantle (1) with associated sealing end pieces. Each end piece comprises an essentially flat part (2, 3) which preferably on its outside is reinforced with reinforcement members (13, 14) placed at right angles to each other. The reinforcement members are welded to each end piece and to the inner surface of the mantle, and they extend from the relevant side of each end piece in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: An oceangoing barge cover is provided, which is made from lightweight structural fabric but enjoys the strength and stiffness of heavier steel covers and meets the requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping. The cover is comprised of a series of units, each of which in crosssection, is in the form of a series of concave quaternary curves, to the underside of which are fixed structural beams of fiberglass encasing rebar for support. Further support is provided by pipes of a structural fabric running perpendicular to the structural beams. A hatch can be optionally provided. Weathersealing and barge affixing means are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the structural elements of the cover are comprised of fiberglass or fiberglass laminate.

Abstract: Improved corrugated steel decking of the type having plural crest surfaces, plural valley surfaces and plural sloping web surfaces connecting each crest surface to the adjoining valley surface. An inwardly depressed groove is provided in each of the sloping web surfaces adjacent to the crest surface.

Abstract: A structural deck especially suited for floors and roofs. It comprises an undulating metal structure having substantially horizontal bottom walls and top walls interconnected by downwardly and outwardly tapered, substantially flat side walls. Doved-tailed flanges are provided on the top portions of the side walls to interlock with concrete poured above. The inner surfaces of the dove-tailed flanges serve as supports for accessories, such as insulation, lighting fixtures and the like. The bottom portions of the side walls have outwardly extending doved-tailed flanges serving as supports for readily detachable closure caps having varying shapes, especially for aesthetic purposes.

Abstract: "I" beam or web structures of laminated composite material or sheets are being stiffened by transverse webs stiffeners having a tubular configuration with flattened end portions. The flattened end is inserted between the laminated web material or sheets and cured therewith to form an integral stiffened web structure.

Abstract: A suspension ceiling or wall system is disclosed providing a plurality of spaced, rectangular pans or projections positioned in spaced relationship in a pattern to provide a ceiling or wall surface with the appearance of a plurality of such pans suspended in space. The pans are formed from sheet metal into elongated members having a plurality of pans supported by integral, longitudinally extending rails. The rails are provided with a dark color contrasting with a relatively light color on the exposed portion of the pans so as to obscure the presence of the connecting rails.

Abstract: A structural steel member and composite panel including the same and having a sheet of industrial steel having formed therein a pattern of dome-like projections, extending from the plane of the sheet, and of which at least the major portion of each projection is substantially circular in plan view and the projections are arranged in a geometric pattern that substantially limits the elongation of the material to the areas defined by the circular configurations, the dome-like projections also having formed in the peak areas thereof small truncated cones having a flattened uppermost planar surface, parallel to the original plane of said sheet, providing superior overall depth and increased resistance to crushing.

Abstract: A construction element of folded sheet material having a repetitive pattern of similarly shaped geometric figures. The tops of the figures lie in one plane and the troughs in a second parallel plane. Four tops are situated around one trough and are connected with it through four angled surfaces.

Abstract: A corrugated sheet has a bend formed by one or more straight lines of impressions extending transversely across the corrugation valleys upwardly into the valleys and adjacent portions of the side walls between the valleys and the corrugation crests, and at the ends of the impressions the side walls have indents extending outwardly away from the impressions. The number of indents and impressions depends on the extent of the bend.

Abstract: A series of rectangular sheet metal roof and wall panels include generally flat inner and outer corrugated skin portions rigidly connected by corrugated web portions to form parallel spaced primary corrugations. A fabricated sheet metal ridge beam rigidly connects the inner skin portions of the roof panels on opposite sides of the ridge to transmit tension forces, and connects the outer skin portions of the roof panels for transmitting compression forces. Inclined inner eave attachment plates or panels rigidly connect the skin portions of the roof and wall panels, and the inter-fitting web portions of the roof and wall panels are connected to form a building structure which has substantial total strength and may be easily and quickly erected without the use of a crane. Each of the panels in the wall assembly and roof assembly is prepunched and may be formed from a single metal sheet which has a single major corrugation or from a sheet having a Z-shaped lateral configuration.

Abstract: A corrugated metal building panel (e.g., made of steel) is provided herein. The panel has at least one (and preferably two) longitudinally extending major waves disposed about a neutral axis. Each such major wave is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart, discontinuous, web zones, each web zone comprising a plurality of interlinked longitudinally extending wave-like stiffeners superposed thereon. The wave-like stiffeners follow the general major corrugated pattern of the major wave thereof. A plurality of spaced-apart flange zones are formed on the panel, the flange zones comprising spaced-apart flattened areas deformed from the general corrugated pattern of the general major corrugated pattern of the panel. The panel is also provided with spaced-apart flange stiffeners. Furthermore, such flange stiffeners which are distributed along the major wave, always project from the exterior of the curvature of the major wave and are always directed towards the neutral axis of the panel.

Abstract: A structural composite panel comprises a pair of filament-reinforced composite facing sheets and a ruffled, corrugated core secured between the facing sheets. The core has corrugations each with an axis having periodic oscillations in plane of the core and with the axis generally normal to filament direction.

Abstract: An underground structure having at least one uncovered windowed wall, has side walls and roof constructed of corrugated sheet metal, the roof being constructed as a single or multi-arch in order to support the overlying earth, both the roof and base being drained of water which collects at the subsurface levels.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprising a panel with at least one double wall construction corner having a cut-away corner formed by the removal of a portion of the panel at the intersection of the corner forming walls, and a molded plastic snap-in corner plug which is inserted in the cut-away corner to substantially fill the corner, providing a smooth transition surface across the corner, the transition surface being shaped to provide the desired corner contour; and a method of fabricating such a panel assembly.

Abstract: A series of rectangular roof panels and rectangular wall panels each include inner and outer corrugated sheet metal skins or skin portions which are rigidly secured by fasteners to opposite sides of formed sheet metal longitudinally extending spacer members rigidly connected by formed sheet metal laterally extending spacer members. A formed sheet metal box-type or fabricated ridge beam and a series of fasteners rigidly connect the inner skin portions and spacer members of the roof panels on opposite sides of the ridge to transmit tension forces, and a compressive wedge and fasteners rigidly connect the outer skin portions, and spacer members of the roof panels for transmitting compression forces.

Abstract: A series of rectangular sheet metal roof and wall panels each includes inner and outer corrugated skin portions which are connected by web members or portions which may also be corrugated. A fabricated sheet metal ridge beam rigidly connects the inner skin portions of the roof panels on opposite sides of the ridge to transmit tension forces, and connects the outer skin portions of the roof panels for transmitting compression forces. Inclined inner eave attachment plates or panels rigidly connect the skin portions of the roof and wall panels, and other eave attachment members rigidly connect the roof panels and wall panels to form a building structure which has substantial total strength and may be easily and quickly erected without the use of a crane. Each of the roof and wall panels is prepunched and may be formed from a single metal sheet which has a single major corrugation or a Z-shaped lateral configuration.

Abstract: A composite expanded sheet reinforcing material especially useful as a stiffening, vibration and sound dampening, reinforcing laminate, and methods of manufacturing such sheet reinforcing material and of reinforcing articles therewith are disclosed. Formable sheet material having a layer of a foamable adhesive laminated thereon is passed through an expanding apparatus which forms rows of spaced, longitudinally staggered slits through the laminated sheet to form a series of elongated strands integrally joined at their ends by a series of joints or bonds. The slit material is expanded in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the slits, causing the adhesive-coated surfaces of the strands and joints to be inclined at an acute angle to the principal plane of the formed reinforcing sheet.

Abstract: Reinforced facings, including reinforcing webs entrained in hydraulic cement via a slurry bath, adhere to a nailable lightweight aggregate cementitious core to form a panel web. The reinforced web is formed on abutting conveyed carrier sheets, and the web is transversely cut, between the sheets, while moving or when stopped, in response to sensing of the sheets. The cut panels, on respective sheets are stacked for curing without damaging the panel edges and in a manner to minimize panel flex. Slurry bath, facing applicators, and cutter and stacking apparatus are included.