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: The disclosure illustrates an improved reflector for a solar energy collector. The reflector is made up of a thin, vacuum formed, elongated, trough like sheet having a reflective parabolic surface for reflecting and focusing solar radiation. A structural sheet conforms to and supports the thin sheet. The structural sheet has a series of integrally formed depressions extending away from the thin sheet to form elongated reinforcing ribs.

Abstract: A roof gutter of channel shape sheet material, its front flange of greater height than its rear flange, has a series of overflow ports formed in the front flange at a level below that of the top of the rear flange, to prevent water overflowing the rear flange and entering the roof structure, these overflow ports being formed in the bottom part of a continuous longitudinal groove (viewed from the front) formed in the front flange of the gutter, and so the ports are not visible when the gutter is viewed from below.

Abstract: The primary components of a roof structure comprise a series of substantially identical metal panels having flanges that interlock when the panels are laid side by side and which are subsequently tightly seamed together to convert the individual panels into an integrated roof forming membrane. The interlock joints between adjacent panels are adapted for connection to flexible panel mounting clips that attach the panels to the purlins in such a way as to permit the panels to expand or contract in response to temperature and pressure changes, thereby minimizing roof stressing.

Abstract: A series of rectangular roof panels and rectangular wall panels each include inner and outer corrugated sheet metal skins 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 ridge beam and a series of fasteners rigidly connect the inner skins 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 skins and spacer members of the roof panels for transmitting compression forces.

Abstract: Corrugated steel plate is formed from a flat plate stock and has a length of at least about 12 feet, a corrugation pitch of at least about 12 inches, and a corrugation depth of at least four inches. The plate has thicknesses of up to 1/2 inch and more. Also disclosed are structures such as tunnel-type, heavy load-supporting structures defined by upright and horizontal structure portions which extend over no more than about 180.degree. while being capable of supporting up to 40 feet of ground fill and payload thereon. The corrugated plate can be used singly or as double, spaced-apart plate assemblies which are hollow or filled with concrete or a like material, including steel reinforcing bars for the concrete. The corrugated plate can also be formed into vertical, sectional retaining walls, bin type retaining walls, bridge abuttment walls, flat support surfaces such as bridge decking, open air structures, guard rails, sheet piling, etc.

Abstract: A passive system for protecting a structure against high temperatures which consists of a thin protective foil of heat-resistant material such as stainless steel fastened to the face of the structure to be protected. When subjected to high heating rates, the local thermal expansion of the foil forms a blister bulging away from the structure to thereby create an air space which thermally insulates the structure.

Abstract: A structural member comprising a sheet of industrial material in which is formed a plurality of dome-like projections of which at least the major portion of the configuration thereof in plan view is circular and said projections being located in the plane of said sheet in a structurally strategic geometric pattern which repeatedly blocks straight lines of vision across said sheet through said pattern of projections in all directions to form a one-piece rigid structural member capable of resistance to flexure and the intermediate portion of the sheet between said projections comprising arcuate continuous structural stress-resisting sections extending between the opposite edges of said member. Variations in patterns of projections comprise different embodiments of said member and, when fabricated, said member lends itself to a variety of end uses. When in the form of a composite panel, a flat sheet of planar material is affixed to the upper ends of said projections.

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.

Abstract: An insulating contoured window is provided for use with an enclosed chamber such as an evacuated flat plate solar heat collector with the contoured solar window being of minimum thickness and supported solely about its peripheral edge portions. The window is contoured in both its longitudinal and transverse directions, such that in its longitudinal direction the window is composed of a plurality of sinusoidal corrugations whereas in its transverse direction the peaks of such corrugations are contoured in the form of paraboloids so that the structure may withstand the forces generated thereon by the atmosphere.

Abstract: Corrugated steel plate is formed from a flat plate stock and has a length of at least about 12 feet, a corrugation pitch of at least about 12 inches, and a corrugation depth of at least four inches. The plate has thicknesses of up to 1/2 inch and more. Also disclosed are structures such as tunnel-type, heavy load-supporting structures defined by upright and horizontal structure portions which extend over no more than about 180.degree. while being capable of supporting up to 40 feet of ground fill and payload thereon. The corrugated plate can be used singly or as double, spaced-apart plate assemblies which are hollow or filled with concrete or a like material, including steel reinforcing bars for the concrete. The corrugated plate can also be formed into vertical, sectional retaining walls, bin type retaining walls, bridge abutment walls, flat support surfaces such as bridge decking, open air structures, guard rails, sheet piling, etc.

Abstract: A conventional flat plate solar heat collector is provided with a contoured vacuum insulation window supported solely about its peripheral edge portions. The window is a composite formed from a pair of minimum thickness complementarily contoured glass sheets, which with the exception of their peripheral portions which are sealed together, are spaced apart from one another so as to provide an evacuated chamber therebetween and thus insulate one sheet from the other. The window formed by the nested or complementary contoured glass sheets is contoured in both its longitudinal and lateral directions, such that in its longitudinal direction the window is composed of a plurality of sinusoidal corrugations whereas in its lateral direction the peaks of such corrugations are contoured in the form of paraboloids so as to provide maximum uniform tensile strength to the window such that it may withstand the forces generated thereon by the atmosphere.

Abstract: Filiform elements, particularly of steel, intended for the reinforcement of agglomerates are improved due to the fact that these elements have a nearly rectangular cross-section and are undulated perpendicular to their longitudinal axis and parallel to the largest dimension of their cross-section.

Abstract: Composite panels that include a metal skeleton of two superposed metal plates or sheets having groups of protruding bridge-shaped elements that extend into the interspace between the plates or sheets and overlap in a manner to form one or more elongated cage-like columns; a coherent matrix material made of a flowable or pourable mineral and/or organic matrix precursor is provided to substantially fill the interspace to form a substantially rigid compound structure of the panel constituents due to the plate-interlocking function of the cage-like columns. The panels can be flat or curved and are suitable as structural materials, notably as load supporting walls for buildings. Methods for producing such composite panels in a batchwise or continuous operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A metal sheet for lining side walls of a freight railway car having a plurality of spaced-apart vertical wall supports. The metal sheet comprises a plurality of spaced-apart elongated channels formed across a flat surface of the sheet. Each of the channels has a bottom wall spaced from the flat surface of the sheet. A plurality of spaced-apart apertures are provided in the bottom wall of at least some of the channels to permit an attachment element to connect the sheet to an associated one of the vertical wall supports. The channels are configured to receive an anchor bar having an attachment part and securable ends. The securable ends are weldable in the channels in close proximity to an associated one of the apertures so that the anchor bar is rigidly connected, through its weld and the bottom wall, in close proximity to the support, whereby cargo retaining strapping, or the like, may be attached to the attachment part to secure cargo in the railway car.

Abstract: A plastic storm door comprising a unitary molded plastic panel having an integral solid skin. The panel has a channel along its peripheral edge having integrally molded load-transferring ribs diagonally traversing the width thereof. Hinges are secured along a vertical edge of the panel by attachment to tapping plates mounted within the channel between and bridging two of the load-transferring ribs. The ribs act to uniformly distribute the loading forces on the hinges throughout the panel. Elongated plastic strips enclose the channel to form an insulating airspace therein.

Abstract: A corrugated roofing sheet has special elevations formed in the wave crest of the sheet, the elevations being contoured to increase the sheet's rigidity while permitting the elevations to function as a ladder. The elevations provide effective rigidfying while leaving the valleys of the sheet corrugations free for drainage.

Abstract: Composite panels that include a metal skeleton of two superposed metal plates or sheets having groups of protruding bridge-shaped elements that extend into the interspace between the plates or sheets and overlap in a manner to form one or more elongated cage-like columns; a coherent matrix material made of a flowable or pourable mineral and/or organic matrix precursor is provided to substantially fill the interspace to form a substantially rigid compound structure of the panel constituents due to the plate-interlocking function of the cage-like columns. The panels can be flat or curved and are suitable as structural materials, notably as load supporting walls for buildings. Methods for producing such composite panels in a batchwise or continuous operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Improved sectional or modular element for use in construction of or as a hermetically sealed protective coverings. The sectional or modular element comprises a main covering portion and lateral portions integral therewith and extending along opposite sides thereof. The main covering portion and the lateral portions integral therewith are characterized by corrugations formed therein to impart strength and rigidity thereto.

Abstract: A panel made of sheet metal, synthetic resin, or the like and adapted to be mounted shingle-fashion with a plurality of other such panels to an upright wall is of generally rectangular shape with upper and lower end edges and lateral side edges. Between these edges the panel has when mounted a horizontal bend subdividing it into an upper half and a lower half. In the upper half the panel has an upper central substantially planar region which is surrounded by an upper downwardly U-shaped non-planar attachment portion by means of which the entire panel is secured to the upright wall. The lower half has a lower central substantially planar region which is contiguous at the bend with the upper planar region and generally coplanar therewith in a relaxed unmounted condition of the panel.

Abstract: Corrugated steel plate is formed from a flat plate stock and has a length of at least about 12 feet, a corrugation pitch of at least about 12 inches, and a corrugation depth of at least four inches. The plate has thicknesses of up to one-half inch and more. Also disclosed are structures such as tunnel-type, heavy load-supporting structures defined by upright and horizontal structure portions which extend over no more than about 180.degree. while being capable of supporting up to 40 feet of ground fill and payload thereon. The corrugated plate can be used singly or as double, spaced-apart plate assemblies which are hollow or filled with concrete or a like material, including steel reinforcing bars for the concrete. The corrugated plate can also be formed into vertical, sectional retaining walls, bin type retaining walls, bridge abuttment walls, flat support surfaces such as bridge decking, open air structures, guard rails, sheet piling, etc.

Abstract: A two-span wall panel construction includes a plurality of spaced, horizontal structural girts with liner panels secured between each three adjacent girts. Horizontally extending subgirts are attached to the liner panels and exterior panels are secured to the subgirts. The exterior panels are corrugated and mounted so that the corrugations extend parallel to the vertical structural columns. A plurality of notches is located on the outer surface of the exterior panel. The notches are aligned midway between the horizontal structural girts and can be varied in depth to cause the exterior panel to fail at the notch when subjected to a predetermined external load. Additional notches can be positioned on the inner surface of the exterior panel in alignment with the other notches. The adjacent, vertical liner panels are positioned in slightly spaced relationship at the end girts and the exterior panels are positioned in overlapping and unattached relationship at the end girts.

Abstract: A plurality of modular units formed of ducts and horizontal load-supporting webs each form part of a ventilating floor structure with the ducts and webs being interconnected to adjacent modular units for forming a total floor. The ducts have upwardly diverging sidewalls for strength and a duct of one modular unit is provided with a bead that forms half of a joint to be slid within a downwardly opening recess forming the other half of the joint on an adjacent web. The recess is provided with a downwardly and laterally curving guide flange so that the bead can be rolled into the recess as the modular unit having the bead is rotated into position. The interconnected ducts and webs are underlayed with foam insulation which is carried up into each web for additional insulating thickness the joint is essentially waterproof from water passing into or through the ducts.

Abstract: A metal roof construction of the type wherein elongated metal panels are joined together at upstanding vertical side walls by a crimped batten strip. Shallow step strengthening ribs are positioned closely adjacent to the side walls to strengthen the side walls and prevent buckling and to promote flexure of the panel central portions at the step strengthening ribs under high upward stresses on the panels. The panels are secured to underlying roof support means through a special clip having a radius of curvature between an upstanding body portion, positioned between side walls of adjacent panels, and a lower flange portion, positioned beneath a panel. The radius of curvature is sufficient to accommodate the head of a threaded fastener between the clipped lower flange and an overlying panel. Radius bends are also provided between the clipped body portion and top flanges which overlie inwardly directed flanges on the panel side walls.

Abstract: A segmented cylindrical reinforced plastic manhole structure comprising a cylindrical body surmounted by a transition element. The transition element is adapted to support a conventional manhole cover and frame assembly and has an opening closable by the manhole cover. The manhole structure body comprises a plurality of curved, nestable segments of cast or molded reinforced plastic material. Each segment is provided with vertical side edges configured to provide an interlocking joint between it and an adjacent segment and the segments may be so sized as to require two, three or more segments to complete the circumference of the manhole structure body. Each segment is provided with horizontal top and bottom edges configured to provide an interlocking joint between it and an adjacent segment thereabove or therebelow so that the segments may be arranged in tiers to provide a manhole structure body of desired height.

Abstract: A metal cellular decking section comprising a fluted upper element and a lower element secured to the upper element along contiguous portions thereof. At least one longitudinally extended expanded metal zone is provided in the lower element. The upper element may include a formation defining a channel which extends parallel with the expanded metal zone and which presents an opening adjacent to the expanded metal zone. In the present metal cellular decking section, the expanded metal zone promotes mechanical bonding of subsequently applied fireproofing material to the underside of the lower element; increases the coverage width for a given steel girth; and provides access to the channel for attachment of hanger means. A method of fabricating the present metal cellular decking section is disclosed.

Abstract: This specification discloses strip sheet metal panels formed with transverse indentations and longitudinal formations formed therein, with end portions at each end of said panels being free of said transverse indentations.

Abstract: A hyperboloidal cooling tower has a central post from which is suspended an upper horizontal ring centered on the post. A network of cables strung from the upper ring define a generally hyperboloidal surface, with the cables criss-crossing and the intersections clamped together with clips. A plurality of corrugated aluminum plates is secured inside the array of cables at the clips with the corrugations of the plates extending upwardly. The corrugations of each plate are spread to a greater and lesser extent at different regions along the plate together so that these plates may form a uniform three-dimensional shape. Each of the plates is secured at its central region fixedly to at least one clip and otherwise secured to the clips via stringers which can slide on these clips so as to allow thermal expansion of the plates relative to the cable network and relative to one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trench shoring assembly which includes a pair of spaced-apart side walls for vertical disposition within a trench. Spreader pipes and spreader collars interconnect the side walls and allow limited pivotal movement between the side walls. Each side wall includes outer and inner metal plates connected to a horizontally extending hollow top beam which extends longitudinally along the top of the side wall, two intermediate beams parallel the hollow metal beam and a bottom beam. A hardwood insert is disposed within the top beam to prevent the collapse of the hollow metal beam. A number of hollow beams extend perpendicularly to the horizontal beams and ribbed members extend perpendicularly to the horizontal beams. The side walls of the assembly have a tapered bottom portion which defines a triangularly shaped pointed lower extremity extending between the ends of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A core having a repetitive pattern for ribbing comprising triangles and hexagons where each side of any given hexagon is extended pinwheel fashion toward the appropriate side extensions of each of the six adjoining hexagons, all of the hexagons having sides extending to form pinwheels having the same sense, i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise. The triangles are defined by the extensions and are located between the hexagons. Panels using this core are stiff about all axes and do not have an angle of inherent weakness. The core may be stamped, rolled or vacuum-formed out of many materials including paper, cardboard, sheets of various metals and reinforced or thermosetting plastic.

Abstract: A unitary, prefabricated railway car roof and its method of manufacture. Two elongated flat webs of galvanized sheet metal disposed in edge to edge abutting relation, and having a combined width slightly greater than the width of the finished roof, are preferably unwound from rolls and are intermittently moved through a welding station which bonds the two webs together into a single wide sheet. Downstream of the welding station the sheet is fed through dies of a hydraulic stamping press which form transverse corrugations at approximately two foot intervals in the combined sheet to provide stiffening panels extending substantially the full width of the roof, and at the same time to form a gable with the longitudinal weld line being the crest of the gable and defining the longitudinal centerline of the roof.

Abstract: An isogrid structure having inset strips of composite materials at the top and bottom of the grid webs. A preferably flanged isogrid basically consists of I-beam members arranged in an integral repeating pattern of substantially equilateral triangles. One flange may be integral with a skin sheet covering the structure. At least some of these flanges are provided with grooves running parallel to the beam webs, filled with advanced composite materials comprising high-strength fibers in a supporting matrix. Preferably, the fibers run parallel to the beam webs. Preferred arrangements of the fibers are described.

Abstract: A hermetically sealable sectional structural cover free of perforations and comprising a longitudinally extending planar web portion with upstanding side flange portions, the flange portions having lateral portions extending inwardly over the web portion from the tops thereof, and corrugations extending transversely along the web portion, along the flange portions and along the lateral portions but terminating short of the free edges of the lateral portions.

Abstract: Strong, lightweight structural shapes or structures adapted for anistropic load bearing useful as structural beams or stiffeners for other structures, e.g., aircraft and which prevent or have improved resistance to forces tending to peel apart the structures, i.e., incipient peel. The shapes are fabricated from plicated laminates of strips or sheets of resinous, filament reinforced, composite materials having high strength and low weight. Fabrication of the shapes is carried out in such manner that upon curing of the resin the resultant stiffener shapes are capable of distributing loading forces so as to reduce localization of stresses.

Abstract: Strong, lightweight structural shapes or structures adapted for anistropic load bearing useful as structural beams or stiffeners for other structures, e.g., aircraft and which prevent or have improved resistance to forces tending to peel apart the structures, i.e., incipient peel. The shapes are fabricated from plicated laminates of strips or sheets of resinous, filament reinforced, composite materials having high strength and low weight. Fabrication of the shapes is carried out in such manner that upon curing of the resin the resultant stiffener shapes are capable of distributing loading forces so as to reduce localization of stresses.

Abstract: A panel is provided having two metallic sheets separated by an insulating core, in which a portion of each of the metallic sheets extends beyond the insulating core to form sheet ends, a unitary metallic member is joined to one of the sheet's ends, and insulating means are provided to both thermally and electrically insulate the sheet ends from each other. The unitary metalic member has a joining surface including a flange designed to be fastened to a corresponding flange of a like panel end structure to form a joint which is recessed with respect to the metallic sheets, and which maintains thermal and electrical insulation between the two metallic sheets of each panel.

Abstract: A building sheet suitable for roofing and siding use that accommodates fastening along ribs or valleys of a side lapped juncture between two sheets. Strengthening ribs formed from bends in the sheet are shaped to promote stacking, to consume little of the sheet width, and to avoid sharp bends that crack protective coatings. An anti-siphon gap is provided between each lapped and lapping rib, extending the full height of the lapped rib adjacent the lapping edge. A drain trough formed at the base of the gap carries away any water that leaks beneath the overlapping sheet. Low ribs delineate channels in which fasteners can be driven to engage an underlapped edge at a side lap juncture between sheets. A top flat surface of high ribs is narrow enough for stiffness to inhibit deformation by fasteners and restricts the fasteners to locations that avoid drain penetration at side laps.

Abstract: A panel for prefabricated metal buildings according to the present invention has a trough section which is deeper than that which can normally be obtained by a cold roll forming operation. The deep trough section is achieved by using a center web joint to connect a plurality of oppositely disposed U-shaped sections to one another to form the panel. The sections are connected by flanges which project outwardly from the side walls of the sections and the connection may be achieved by a crimping operation or by means of a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: A corrugated wall system formed of prefabricated individual wall sections. Each individual section comprises a member - formed of reinforced concrete or the like -- having front and rear portions spaced by a dimension of corrugation. Both the thicknesses of the front and rear portions, and the dimension of corrugation increase as one moves from the top or a wall section to the bottom thereof. The wall sections are embedded in an in-situ cast foundation in side-to-side relationship at the bottoms thereof.

Abstract: A sheet metal structure having two panels of substantially the same cross section connected to one another by a lap joint at their outer ends. Each panel has at least one major U-shaped section which has a base wall and a pair of oppositely disposed side walls. The base wall is formed with a plurality of minor U-shaped longitudinally extending ribs which form a plurality of alternately disposed minor crests and velleys. The major U-shaped sections and the minor ribs of the panels nest with one another at the lap joint. A spacer panel is provided for spacing the nesting ends from one another to facilitate the rigid securing of the ends. The spacer panel has a body portion formed with a plurality of spacer lugs at one edge thereof which project outwardly from the body portion in a spaced relationship. The lugs have a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the panels which are to be joined.

Abstract: A wear liner for protecting a load surface from impact and wear loads is disclosed. The wear liner includes an elongated body of elastomeric material with a reinforcing and mounting plate embedded therein. A channel is formed in the mounting side of the liner member to receive a mounting bar secured to the load surface. Spaced fasteners secure the reinforcing plate directly to the mounting bar and in turn secure the liner member in its mounted position. The reinforcing plate is provided with interlocking sections on both sides of the channel to firmly secure the elastomeric material to the reinforcing plate. Removable plugs formed of elastomeric material are installed in the openings for the mounting fasteners. The reinforcing plate is spaced from the load surface by a distance in excess of one-half of the thickness of the liner member and extends across the width of the liner member a distance greater than one-half of the width thereof.

Abstract: A high strength frusto-conical or conical structure utilizing an integral flanged reinforcing grid is disclosed. The structure comprises a skin plate having a generally conical shape, with a plurality of upstanding integral ribs. At least some of the ribs are configured in evenly spaced right and left spirals. Other ribs may extend along conic generatrix intersecting the spiral ribs at points where right and left spiral ribs intersect. Each rib includes a narrow flange at the inner edge, lying substantially parallel to the skin.

Abstract: A self-supporting, modular structural panel comprises a rigid, opaque body panel of substantial thickness. One marginal edge portion of the body panel defines an integral, load-supporting beam which extends outwardly from a first major surface of the body panel. An exterior sheet member is bonded to and conforms to the contour of the body panel and beam. Marginal portions of the sheet are overlapped at an opposite marginal edge of the body panel to define an integral channel portion which extends outwardly from the first major surface of the body panel. The channel portion is configured to receive nestably and to interlock with the beam portion of a second structural member of like configuration.